You can save money by shopping back to school during your business tax holidays. Does your state have it?
State sales tax holidays are usually carried out over a week, but some states have longer exemptions.
If you haven’t started purchasing yet Essentials to return to schoolShopping during sales tax holidays can offer some extra savings.
These tax-free shopping events are usually central Items to return to schooloffers discounts on clothing and school supplies, Laptop and athletic gear.
This year, 17 states have participated in tax-free events, with two taking place this weekend, with more kickoffs coming in early August. When these are happening, which items are tax-free.
State Sales Tax Holidays from Schools in 2025
| state | State Sales Tax | Tax-free date |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4% | July 18th-20th |
| Arkansa | 6.50% | August 2nd-3rd |
| Connecticut | 6.35% | TBD |
| Florida | 6% | August 1st – 31st |
| Iowa | 6% | August 1st-2nd |
| Maryland | 6% | August 9th-15th |
| Massachusetts | 6.25% | August 9th-10th |
| Mississippi | 7% | July 11th-13th |
| Missouri | 4.23% | August 1st-3rd |
| New Mexico | 5.13%* | July 25th-27th |
| Ohio | 5.75% | August 1st-14th |
| Oklahora | 4.50% | August 1st-3rd |
| South Carolina | 6% | August 1st-3rd |
| Tennessee | 7% | July 25th-27th |
| Texas | 6.25% | August 8th-10th |
| Virginia | 4% | August 1st-3rd |
| West Virginia | 6% | August 1st-4th |
State Sales Tax Holidays 2025
date: July 18th-20th, 2025
Tax-free items:
date: August 2-3, 2024
Tax-free items
date: TBD; Rumor dates are August 17-23, 2025, but may change
Tax-free items
date: August 1-31, 2025
Tax-free items
- Clothing, accessories, shoes: under $100 per item.
- School supplies: Under $50 per item.
- Learning AIDS and Jigsaw Puzzles: Under $30 per item.
- Personal Computers and Computer Accessories: Under $1,500 per item.
- Show Complete list of items In Florida Department of Revenue Website.
date: August 1st-2nd, 2024
Tax-free items
date: August 11th-17th, 2024
Tax-free items
date: August 9th-10th, 2025
Tax-free items
date: July 11th to 13th, 2025
Tax-free items
date: August 1-3, 2025
Tax-free items
- Clothing: Under $100 per item.
- School supplies: Under $50 per item.
- Computer Software: Under $350 per item.
- Personal Computers and Peripherals: Under $1,500 per item.
- Graph calculator: Under $150 per item.
- Show Complete list of items In Missouri Department of Revenue Website.
date: July. 25-27, 2025
Tax-free items
date: August 1-14, 2025
Tax-free items
- All retail items purchased for under $500.
- Excluded items include cars, boats, trucks, cigarettes, steam products, marijuana, alcohol and selection services.
- Show Full list Exceptions for Ohio State Taxation Bureau Website.
date: August 1-3, 2025
Tax-free items
date: August 1-3, 2025
Tax-free items
date: July 25th-27th, 2025
Tax-free items
date: August 8th to 10th, 2025
Tax-free items
date: August 1-3, 2025
Tax-free items
date: August 1-4, 2025
Tax-free items
- Clothing: Under $125 per item.
- Specific school supplies: under $50 per item.
- School Books and Educational Materials: Under $20 per item.
- Laptops and tablets: under $500 per item.
- Sports Goods: Under $150 per item.
- Show Complete list of items In West Virginia Taxation Office Website.
No previous sales tax claim
There are five US states that do not have statewide sales tax. Remember them using the acronym Nomad.
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
- Montana
- Alaska*
- Delaware
*Alaska collects local sales tax.
What is Sales Tax Holiday?
Sales tax holidays, also known as tax-free weekends or weeks, refer to the period during which certain eligible items are exempt from sales tax. Some states hold annual tax-free holidays, while some states host several tax-free events throughout the year. Most states taking part in tax-free holidays will host events in the summer that coincides with shopping back to school. Sales tax is usually suspended at the time of purchase Laptopclothing, school supplies, and other accessories.
Can I save money while I’m free?
You can save money by avoiding sales taxes during sales tax holidays, especially those with high sales tax rates in states such as Tennessee (7%), Mississippi (7%), Arkansas (6.5%), or those with high restrictions like Massachusetts (purchases up to $2,500). If you spend $2,000 on a Massachusetts computer while exempting your sales tax, you can save $125 sales tax.
Cities and counties may or may be exempt from local sales taxes during these state tax holidays. In a potentially high local tax state, such as Alabama, we recommend that you check with your city or county for local sales tax exemptions.
Despite potential savings during sales tax holidays, you’ll want to make sure you Stick to your budget To avoid overexpenditure and do your research Return to school deal. For sale, some stores may have lower prices on clothing, consumables and computers than you would receive by paying the full price during tax holidays.
State Sales Tax Holiday FAQ
Does tax-free weekend include online sales?
Yes, online purchases for state residents made during sales tax holidays through large online retailers like Amazon are tax-free. Follow state guidelines for eligible items. Seller’s time zone typically defines whether the sale is within the sales tax exemption period.
What happens when I buy items that qualify for exceeding the dollar limit?
Sales tax leave rules vary from state to state, but most states do not have all or nothing exemptions. If the item exceeds the sales tax exemption limit, you will pay tax on the full amount (not just the amount exceeding the limit).
One notable exception is Maryland. The first $40 spent on a backpack is tax-free, regardless of the total price. If you spend $60 on a backpack, you’ll only be taxed on $20. We recommend checking the state’s complete item list and rules to plan accordingly.
Is New Jersey holding a sales tax holiday this year?
New Jersey attended tax-free weekends for items back to school. But that sales tax vacation was Abolished in 2024. There are no tax holidays this year.