One of the perks of military life that helps offset such expenses as moving every two years and deployments is the tax-free shopping service members and their families enjoy at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).
This summer, depending on where you live, you might be able to double those savings as AAFES has announced it will offer an additional discount to match local tax savings around back-to-school, tax-free weekends.
Yes, double.
Military shoppers in states with sales-tax-free holidays can save on eligible purchases at Exchanges with a discount equal to their state’s sales tax rate during these promotional periods.
But even outside of states’ sales tax holidays, in general, military families can save with AAFES’ exclusive deals and offers on school supplies, clothing, electronics and more at PXs, BXs and at ShopMyExchange.com during the back-to-school shopping season.
Through August 31, AAFES will offer weekly deals on backpacks, electronics, dorm essentials, clothing and more, including an additional savings of up to 40% on select school supplies. All weekly promotions can be found at shopmyexchange.com/savings-center/weekly-ads each Friday.
Other deals include extra discounts on certain items including supplies, clothing and shoes; and the ability to earn rewards points. Details can be found on the AAFES website here.
Authorized shoppers include veterans and Department of Defense civilians as well.
That's right: Your quest to secure that never-ending list of school supplies like markers, pencils, glue sticks and more will be a little easier on the wallet this school year if you can take advantage of the special discounts.
“The Exchange is dedicated to helping military families save more this back-to-school season,” Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, Exchange senior enlisted advisor, said in a statement. “Every military family can easily check off school supply lists, no matter the budget, at their local PX or BX — always tax-free.”
Check to see if your state is participating in tax holidays, and when.
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