Louisiana to go tax-free shopping this weekend

By Nelson Alcantara
Designed to help local residents, a tax-free scheme may end up attracting shop-a-holics to Louisiana. An effort to help relieve residents of some financial stress may also work in favor of Louisiana's tourism industry. Louisiana legislators approved a tax-free weekend for shoppers throughout the state beginning at 12:01 AM on August 3 and ending at midnight, August 4, 2007.

This comes as good news for residents, as they have taken quite a beating in the last few years. Hurricane Katrina hit southeastern Louisiana on Aug. 29, 2005, followed by Hurricane Rita, which struck southwestern Louisiana, almost a month later.

The move by Louisiana lawmakers could mean that extra savings for family back-to-school shopping.

The Louisiana Boardwalk, an outdoor lifestyle center that is home to more than 50 shops, 15 eateries, day spas, a Regal Cinema, and after hours entertainment, is an excellent starting point for visitors.

So are three indoor shopping malls–Mall St. Vincent, Pierre Bossier Mall and Pierremont Mall, which offer popular both national and local brands. Mall St. Vincent is located just off I-49 at Kings Highway. Pierre Bossier Mall is located at the intersection of Airline and Texas Streets in Bossier City and Pierremont Mall is just off of Line Avenue.

According to the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, the tax exemption is valid for state taxes, not taxes levied by parishes, municipalities, school boards, or other political subdivisions. And, that the tax credit only applies to consumer purchases of tangible property under $2500, excluding meals, vehicles subject to licensing, taxable services such as hotel occupancy, amusement, cleaning, etc., and leases or rentals. Delivery and layaway are also taken care of by this tax exemption.

Louisiana is preparing to host World Cultural Economic Forum, a 10-day meet on cultural economic opportunities and other issues like race and poverty. To take in New Orleans on Aug. 16-26, the event is anticipating delegates from more than a dozen countries. They include Saudi Arabia, France, Japan, the Netherlands and Trinidad.

July 31, 2007   Posted in: United States South