Welcome to Vermont Retail Association

Welcome to VRA’s new website! For 40 years, VRA has been taking good care of businesses in Vermont, establishing a tradition of trusted service and dependable support. Now a new century brings fresh challenges, and we’ve created an improved, more dynamic organization to help meet those challenges. Please pay us a “virtual visit” here to discover all about our enhanced 21st century services and offerings.

Serving the Vermont Retail Community Since 1968

Vermont Sales Tax Holidays in July

The Legislature has approved the Governor’s proposal for two sales tax holidays. A big thank you to all of the parties that supported VRA efforts to institute a sales tax holiday in Vermont.

Our smaller members should note that there is also a register reprogramming credit for small stores that might sell predominantly non taxable items and face costs for reprogramming registers The legislative language regarding the Sales Tax Holidays is below.

Please contact VRA with any questions.

Sec. 81a. SALES TAX HOLIDAY; ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 233 of Title 32 and section 138 of Title 24, no sales and use tax or local option sales tax shall be imposed or collected on sales to individuals for personal use of items of tangible personal property at a sales price of $2,000.00 or less from July 12, 2008, through July 13, 2008.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 233 of Title 32 and section 138 of Title 24, no sales and use tax or local option sales tax shall be imposed or collected on sales to individuals for personal use of Energy Star Appliances at a sales price of $2,000.00 or less from July 12, 2008, through July 18, 2008.

(c) A vendor in good standing shall be entitled to claim reimbursement for its expenditures for reprogramming of cash registers and computer equipment which were in use at the place of business on and after July 12, 2008. Claims must be filed on or before November 1, 2008, with the department of taxes with receipts or such other documentation the department may require. The amount of reimbursement to each vendor shall not exceed the least of the three following amounts: the actual cost to the vendor of reprogramming its cash registers and computer equipment; $50.00; or $50,000.00 divided by the number of qualified vendor applicants.

(d) Any municipality with a local option sales tax affected by the sales tax holidays imposed by this section shall be reimbursed from the department of taxes for the amount of local option sales tax revenues lost to the municipality. The commissioner of taxes shall develop a methodology for determining such reimbursement. The commissioner shall also adjust the deposit in the PILOT special fund for lost deposits due to the sales tax holidays. Should the amount appropriated for these purposes under subsection (e) of this section be insufficient to fully reimburse the municipalities and adjust the PILOT special fund, reimbursements to municipalities shall take priority.

(e) In fiscal year 2009, $50,000.00 in general funds is appropriated for payments for reprogramming under subsection (c) of this section, and $100,000.00 in general funds is appropriated for reimbursement to municipalities and adjustments under subsection (d) of this section.

2008 is our 40th birthday, and to celebrate, we’re giving new members a present. For a limited time, join VRA for a very special low rate.

For information contact:mail@vtretailer.com or 1-800-649-1698. Happy Birthday to you!

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