With the holiday shopping season underway St. Lawrence County residents can take advantage of a clothing sales tax exemption for clothing and footwear items costing $110 or less.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded holiday shoppers and retailers that clothing and footwear items sold for less than $110 are exempt from New York State’s 4 percent sales tax.

The state exemption will put more than $300 million into shoppers’ stockings this holiday season, adding to any deep sales discounts.

“On Black Friday, New York State helps deliver more purchasing power to consumers on the lookout for bargains,” said Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Nonie Manion. “Our sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear items enhances holiday deals, keeping more money in consumers’ pockets.”

Shoppers statewide who make qualifying purchases don’t have to pay the 4 percent state sales tax.

The state exemption alone translates into nearly $900 million annually. The combined amount from the state and local sales tax exemptions is well over $1 billion annually.