ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
As Andrews' students (and parents) ready for the beginning of a new school year the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is preparing to help military families get back to class, for less.
"Clothes, school supplies and even electronics are, of course, tax free everyday at the BX," said the exchange store manager, Joyce Best. "As a result, shoppers with BX privileges aren't subject to the restrictions and limited savings opportunities available through the upcoming 'tax holiday.' In fact, military shoppers who shop the Andrews exchange during this year's 'tax holiday' will see an added benefit as local sales tax percentage discounts will be matched, by category."
The BX will effectively double the exchange's tax-free benefit from Saturday -- August 10th (Washington D.C.'s designated "tax holiday"), offering an additional percentage off (equivalent to the local sales tax rate) to the already low AAFES prices. Maryland does not partake in the "tax holiday season" but because Washington, D.C. does, Andrews will be participating along with Bolling AFB which is located in Washington, D.C.
For example, an Airman buying an item on the state's list of tax-free items at the Andrews BX will see an additional 5.75 percent (Washington, D.C.'s sales tax rate) discount.
The mathematics lesson in smart shopping will continue through August as laundry bags, storage containers and anything else a student may need to get back to school not only will be "tax free," but discounted up to 40 percent.
"AAFES' buying staff has done its homework over the past year and we're ready to pass the savings lessons on to military families," said Mrs. Best. "Even though we've crammed to deliver the best 'back to school' shopping experience possible, we're always prepared to match the lowest local price to ensure authorized shoppers are getting the best value for their 'back to school' dollars."
Additional details concerning AAFES' "We'll Match It!" program as well as links to upcoming "back to school" sales and specials are available at
www.aafes.com.