State lawmakers are thinking about taking more out of your wallet when you shop for clothes. Currently, New York State charges a four percent tax on all clothing purchases under $110. As lawmakers struggle to put a budget together, the Associated Press reports tax on clothing purchases could be going up. Kellie Misita owns the Show Offs boutique in Armory Square and was frustrated to hear that her customers may have to pay more to New York.
"This is a difficult economic time even though we're supposed to be coming out of the recession and we're seeing gains from that but it's really a step back apparently," said Misita.
The Governor and State Legislators would only say they were looking at several options. Joel Shapiro owns several clothing stores in Armory Square including Mr. Shop and he said the last thing New York State needs is more taxation.
"I would rather have had a larger earthquake than them raising taxes again," said Shapiro on Wednesday.
For stores, an increase in clothing sales tax could come with a silver lining. The state is also said to be considering increasing the number of "tax free" weeks.
Two state officials told the Associated Press that current proposals include three or four weeks a year where no tax would be charged on clothing purchases.
Joel Shapiro doesn't feel that a few extra weeks of tax free shopping would make up for a higher sales tax.
"The tax free week worked the first and second year they did it. After that, it didn't have much significance," said Shapiro.
Other store owners in downtown Syracuse were more optimistic about additional tax free weeks but worried a higher sales tax would limit shopping the rest of the year.
