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Back-to-school shopping season is in full swing. And if you're looking for a way to save money on school supplies and electronics, you should see if your state is participating in a sales tax holiday. Shopping tax-free events, along with back-to-school deals and sales, can offer some relief on back-to-school shopping items.
This year, 16 US states are holding tax-free weekends -- with many of these events kicking off this weekend. Each state has its own list of items eligible for tax-free shopping, but most states offer the discount on essentials like clothing and school supplies, as well as big ticket items like laptops.
Find out if your state participates and learn which back-to-school items will be tax free.
State | State sales tax | Tax-free dates |
---|---|---|
Alabama | 4% | July 19-21 |
Arkansas | 6.50% | August 3-4 |
Connecticut | 6.35% | Aug. 18-24 |
Florida | 6% | July 29 – Aug. 11 |
Iowa | 6% | Aug. 2-3 |
Maryland | 6% | Aug. 11-17 |
Massachusetts | 6.25% | Aug. 10-11 |
Mississippi | 7% | July 26-27 |
Missouri | 4.23% | Aug. 2-4 |
New Mexico | 5.13%* | Aug. 2-4 |
Ohio | 5.75% | July 30 – Aug. 8 |
Oklahoma | 4.50% | Aug. 2-4 |
South Carolina | 6% | Aug. 2-4 |
Tennessee | 7% | July 26-28 |
Texas | 6.25% | Aug. 9-11 |
West Virginia | 6% | Aug. 2-4 |
The first weekend in August is a popular time for sales tax holidays, with nine states offering exemptions during that time. Fourteen states total host sales tax holidays that run in August.
Dates: July 29-Aug. 11, 2024
Tax-free items
Dates: Aug. 2-4, 2024
Tax-free items
Dates: Aug. 2-4, 2024
Tax-free items
Dates: July 30-Aug. 8, 2024
Tax-free items
Dates: Aug. 2-4, 2024
Tax-free items
Dates: July 19-21, 2024
Tax-free items:
Dates: July 26-28, 2024
Tax-free items
There are five US states that don't have a statewide sales tax. You can use the acronym NOMAD to remember them.
*Alaska does levy local sales tax.
A sales tax holiday, also called a tax-free weekend or week, refers to a period of time when certain eligible items are exempt from sales tax. Some states hold tax-free holidays annually, and a few even host several tax-free events throughout the year. Most states that participate in tax holidays hold an event in the summer that aligns with back-to-school shopping. You'll commonly find sales taxes paused on purchases like laptops, clothing, school supplies and other accessories.
You can save money by avoiding sales tax during a tax holiday, particularly in states with higher state sales tax rates, like Tennessee (7%), Mississippi (7%) and Arkansas (6.5%), or in states with high limitations, like Massachusetts (purchases up to $2,500). If you spent $2,000 on a computer in Massachusetts during the sales tax exemption, that would save you $125 in sales tax.
Cities and counties may or may not exempt local sales taxes during these state tax holidays. In states with potentially high local taxes, like Alabama, you'll want to check with your city or county about local sales tax exemptions.
Despite the potential savings during sales tax holidays, you'll want to make sure you stick to a budget to avoid overspending and do your research on back-to-school deals. During sales, some stores may offer lower prices on clothing, supplies and computers than you might receive by paying full price during a tax holiday.
Yes, online purchases for state residents made during their sales tax holiday will be tax free, even through large online retailers like Amazon. Just make sure you follow your state's guidelines for qualifying items. The time zone of the seller will usually define whether the sale is within the sales tax exemption period.
Rules for sales tax holidays will vary by state, but in most states the exemption is all or nothing. If your item costs more than the limit for the sales tax exemption, you'll pay tax on the entire amount (not just the amount over the limit).
One notable exception is In Maryland -- the first $40 spent on a backpack is tax free, regardless of its total price. If you were to spend $60 on a backpack, you'd be taxed only for $20. We recommend reviewing your state's full item list and rules to plan accordingly.
New Jersey used to participate in tax-free weekends for back-to-school items. However, its sales tax holiday was repealed in 2024. It will not hold a tax holiday this year.
Source: cnet.com