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National Association of College Stores Applauds Passage of Florida Tax Exemption for College Textbooks

Laura Massie • June 17, 2015

OBERLIN, OHIO, June 17, 2015 - The National Association of College Stores (NACS) and more than 225 college stores in Florida applaud the Florida legislature for passing a full year exemption from state and local sales taxes for required and recommended college textbooks and course materials. The sales tax exemption was a key tax reform proposal by Gov. Rick Scott.

Scott signed the bill into law yesterday.

With many students struggling to pay for their education costs, NACS considers sales taxes on textbooks and other course materials as an unnecessary added burden on students’ learning.

“The Florida legislature should be congratulated for ending this learning tax, which annually collects millions of dollars from students,” said Richard Hershman, NACS’ vice president of government relations. “The sales tax exemption will provide much needed relief to students and should encourage them to shop locally by creating a more level playing field for Florida’s college stores to compete with out-of-state vendors.”

“This revenue could be reinvested in lowering textbook costs through greater discounting, increasing student aid for books and services such as free textbook library reserves, and providing greater job opportunities for students while attending college,” he added.

Florida will become the 28th state to exempt college students’ textbook and course materials purchases and rentals from sales and use taxes. The sales tax exemption is expected to take effect on August 1, 2015.

About The National Association of College Stores

The National Association of College Stores (NACS) is the professional association representing stores that serve higher education and K-12 schools. Our members also include companies that supply course materials and other merchandise and services to campus stores. NACS serves as the industry’s leading resource and advocate by providing members with education and services that help them support student success, the campus experience and the academic missions of their educational institutions. NACS is headquartered in Oberlin, OH. Additional information on NACS can be found online at www.nacs.org.


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