CARMEL, NY — Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne announced his support to make Putnam County’s sales tax exemption on qualifying clothing and footwear permanent, continuing a tax relief initiative he first enacted after taking office.

 Byrne said he is asking the County Legislature to once again work with the administration to deliver meaningful tax relief to Putnam residents. He plans to account for the permanent exemption in his proposed 2027 County Budget, which will be submitted to the Legislature on October 1.

 “When I first took office, one of my priorities was finding responsible ways to make Putnam County more affordable, and eliminating the county sales tax on essential clothes and shoes was an important part of that effort,” said County Executive Kevin Byrne. “Now, I want to make sure that tax never comes back. I’m asking our partners in the Legislature to work with us once again to provide real, lasting tax relief, and we will plan accordingly in the budget proposal I submit on October 1.”

 Under the current policy, Putnam County has eliminated its local sales tax on qualifying clothing and footwear purchases under $110, providing savings whether residents shop at local stores or online. The exemption is currently scheduled to expire in March 2027.

Sales taxes are widely considered regressive because lower-income households generally spend a greater share of their income on everyday necessities. Eliminating the local sales tax on clothing and footwear helps ease that burden, providing relief to working families, seniors on fixed incomes and some of Putnam County’s most financially vulnerable residents.

 “Clothes and shoes aren’t luxuries. They’re necessities,” Byrne said. “A sales tax on necessities hits hardest those who can least afford it. Making this exemption permanent is one more way we can keep money in the pockets of the people who need it most.”

 The proposal builds on Byrne’s broader affordability agenda, which has delivered more than $10 million in tax relief since he took office, including reductions to the county property tax levy and relief at the gas pump.

 Byrne said Putnam County’s strong financial position has allowed the County to provide tax relief while continuing to invest in infrastructure and essential services and responsibly manage its finances.

“We’ve shown that fiscal responsibility and tax relief can go hand in hand,” Byrne said. “Putnam taxpayers have worked hard for their money, and whenever we can responsibly allow them to keep more of it, that’s exactly what we should do. Making this exemption permanent is the next step.”