PRESS RELEASE
April 8, 2008

Tax Break for Digital TV Purchases Would Benefit Residents

With the switch from analog to digital less than one year away, members of the Rensselaer County Legislature said a temporary sales tax break on the purchase of digital televisions would benefit residents and spur business activity.

Legislators approved a resolution supporting a temporary reduction of the state sales tax on the purchase of digitally-compatible televisions and digital conversion equipment. The switch from analog to digital takes places in February 2009.

Many state and county residents who now use televisions that are not digitally compatible will need to either purchase new digitally compatible televisions or conversion equipment.

“Televisions are a central part of American life and those residents purchasing new televisions and conversion equipment would definitely appreciate a break on the sales tax,” said Kelleher.

“In particular, this could help seniors, working families and anyone on a fixed or limited income. This would be a good move for the state to take,” added Kelleher.

Kelleher said he favors offering the tax break in late 2008, during the holiday shopping season, and again in early 2009 during the switch from analog to digital. Legislators said offering the exemption could help attract shoppers to the state.

“A digital television sales tax break could help spur business in New York and attract new shoppers to our state, which would be welcomed by retailers across the state,” said Legislator Martin Reid.

In addition to reducing the state sales tax, Kelleher said the state should explore allowing counties to also join in offering the tax exemption. The resolution requesting the digital television sales tax break will now be sent to Governor David Paterson and state legislative representatives of Rensselaer County.

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