Carmel, NY – Earlier this week, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne signed legislation eliminating sales tax on clothing and footwear under $110. The resolution enacting the measure was passed unanimously by the Putnam County Legislature earlier this month as part of a series of initiatives in the 2024 County Budget.

“At a time when our residents are still struggling because of rampant inflation, county government must do its part to help out,” said County Executive Byrne. “Sales tax on needed goods like these are inherently regressive, disproportionately harming those most economically vulnerable. To many residents, that 4% tax on a new pair of shoes doesn’t seem like much, but to the single mom it could mean being able to afford an extra onesie for her child.”

The two-year sales tax exemption will begin on March 1, 2024 and is expected to equate to a $3 million per year tax cut. During that period, Putnam County will evaluate the exact fiscal impact to the county and will have the option to renew the tax cut in 2026.

“The legislature is proud to work with the County Executive to lower sales tax in Putnam County and we also worked to lower property taxes in the county,” said Paul Jonke, Chairman of the Putnam County Legislature. “This is what Putnam County now is, we are looking for ways to save the taxpayers money, and put the dollars back into the taxpayers pockets.”

“This will really help the populations we serve, folks who are having a difficult time making ends meet,” said Bill Hammond, Co-Chairman of Putnam Community Action Partnership (Putnam CAP), a nonprofit group that helps low-income families and at-risk individuals. “We know they can use this extra money, whether it’s for heating their homes, clothing their children, this is going to be a big help.”

Byrne continued, “New York State already doesn’t charge sales tax on these items under $110. So, with absolutely no sales tax being charged, this is significant because for the first time, it’s going to be cheaper to shop here for clothes and shoes in Putnam County than it will be to go to neighboring Connecticut.

“I think it’s really appropriate that we’re meeting in front of Marshall’s because their mission is to bring great value to their customers, and the way I see it, that is in many ways, County Government’s mission as well,” said Kathleen Abels, President of the Putnam County Economic Development Corporation. “I think this a wonderful move, it’s good for our community, it’s good for our businesses and I want to encourage people to come to Putnam County and shop.”

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Click here to watch the full bill signing press conference: Sales Tax Cut Signing November 2023 Putnam County Government, New York - YouTube