Carmel, NY – Effective today, clothing and footwear under $110 purchased within Putnam County will be exempt from sales tax. Last year, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne signed legislation creating the two year sales tax exemption. The resolution enacting the measure was passed unanimously by the Putnam County Legislature in November of 2023 as part of a series of initiatives in the 2024 County Budget.

“For the first time, it’s going to be cheaper to shop here in Putnam for clothes and shoes than it will be to go to Westchester, or Danbury,” said County Executive Byrne. “At a time when inflation is still a major problem, county government must do its part to help out. 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 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.

“We are always working with an eye toward keeping Putnam County an affordable place to live for our residents,” said Paul Jonke, Chairman of the County Legislature. “We want to keep money in the pockets of our residents, they know how best to spend it. We know our constituents can use this extra money, and they will always be better served having more control over their wallets. Thank you to the County Executive for working with us to get this critically important legislation passed last year.”