HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — It's back to school, and Connecticut is kicking off its annual sales tax holiday.

Beginning Sunday and ending Aug. 25, items of clothing and footwear costing less than $300 are exempt from the 6.35 percent state sales tax.

Sports equipment, specialty clothing, jewelry and accessories are not included.

The tax-free holiday covers items valued at more than $300 and discounted with sales, coupons and other promotions.

The Malloy administration says waiving the sales tax for a week will help consumers buy more items and boost shopping for Connecticut's retailers.

The state expects to lose $7.5 million in revenue by dropping the tax for one week.