Tax-free holidays offer big savings on back-to-school shopping 

As the summer draws to a close, a familiar buzz of excitement fills the air as parents and students gear up for the annual back-to-school shopping frenzy. Amidst the flurry of new backpacks, fresh stationery, and trendy school attire, one strategy stands out as a secret weapon for cost-conscious shoppers: tax-free holidays. 

Tax-free holidays offer big savings on back-to-school shopping (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Designed to provide financial relief to families during the bustling back-to-school season, these limited-time events offer a golden opportunity to save big on essential supplies without the burden of sales tax. This year, the Federation of Tax Administrators reports 17 states across the nation will be participating in the sales tax holiday. Compared to last year, the list of participating states decreased as Virginia and Illinois opted out for 2023. Although inflation rates have dropped significantly, cooling down to 3% compared to the 9.1% reported in June 2022, back-to-school shopping can still be costly for families. 

The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports families can expect to spend “an average of $890.07 on back-to-school items this year, approximately $25 more than last year’s record of $864.35.” In addition to the cost of clothes, shoes, and other traditional school supplies, the demand for electronic devices and accessories plays a role in this year’s increased budget, according to the NRF. With that in mind, you may have a few questions about how to leverage tax-free days.

How can sales tax holidays help alleviate back-to-school costs? 

The sales tax holiday, often called a “tax-free weekend,” refers to a specific timeframe when numerous states temporarily waive sales tax on select items. Usually limited to just one weekend, some states offer sales tax exemption for extended periods. During these times, the tax exemption eligibility of purchases is typically governed by specific criteria, including product type and price, which varies by state. 

Do they actually save me money? 

Ultimately, yes. Depending on the state, sales tax can range between 4% to 7%. The tax exemption on high-ticket items like electronics can be beneficial. However, families should rely on more than tax-free weekends to save money when back-to-school shopping. Before confirming a purchase, comparison shopping at various retailers is a good practice, as stores will be offering different deals and discounts leading up to the school year. 

When is my state’s tax-free holiday? 

Though tax-free weekend has already occurred in some states like Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, there is still a chance to save money in the following states: 

Arkansas: Aug. 5–6 

Sales tax will be removed from:

• Clothing and shoes priced at $100 or less per item  
• Clothing accessory or equipment priced at $50 or less per item 
• School supplies  
• Electronic devices, school art supplies, school instructional materials 

Connecticut: Aug. 20–26

Sales tax will be removed from: 

• Non-athletic clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item 

Florida: July 24–Aug. 6 

Sales tax will be removed from: 

• Clothing, footwear priced at $100 or less per item 
• Select school supplies priced at $50 or less per item  
• Learning aids priced at $30 or less per item 
• Personal computers and select computer-related accessories priced at $1,500 or less per item

Iowa: Aug. 4–5 

Sales tax will be removed from: 

• Clothing, footwear priced at $100 or less per item 

Maryland: Aug. 13–19 

Sales tax will be removed from: 

• Clothing, footwear priced at $100 or less per item 
• The first $40 spent on backpacks and bookbags

Massachusetts: Aug. 12–13 

Sales tax will be removed from:

• Retail items priced at $2,500 or less per item
• Clothing items priced at $175 or less per item 

Missouri: Aug. 4–6 

Sales tax will be removed from:

• Clothing priced at $100 or less per item 
• School supplies not exceeding $50 per purchase
• Computer software priced at $350 or less per item
• Personal computers priced at $1,500 or less 
• Computer peripheral devices like keyboards, printers, monitors priced at $1,500 or less 
• Graphing calculators priced at $150 or less 

New Jersey: Aug. 26–Sept. 4 

Sales tax will be removed from:

• Computers less than $3,000 
• School supplies and art supplies 
• School computer supplies priced at less than $1,000
• School instructional materials 
• Sport or recreational equipment sold to individual purchasers for non-business use 

New Mexico: Aug. 4–6 

Sales tax will be removed from:

• Clothing priced at $100 or less per item 
• General school supplies under $30 each
• Desktop, laptop and notebook computers priced at $1,000 or less
• Computer accessories priced at $500 or less 

Ohio: Aug. 4–6 

Sales tax will be removed from:

• Clothing priced at $75 or less per item 
• School supplies and instructional materials priced at $20 or less per item

Oklahoma: Aug. 4–6 

Sales tax will be removed from:

• Clothing priced at $100 or less per item 

South Carolina: Aug. 4–6 

Sales tax will be removed from:

• Computers and printers 
• School supplies 
• Clothing and accessories, shoes 
• Select bed and bath items 

Texas: Aug. 11–13 

Sales tax will be removed from:

• Clothing footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced at $100 or less per item 

West Virginia: Aug. 4–7 

Sales tax will be removed from:

• Clothing priced at $125 or less per item 
• Laptops and tablets priced at $500 or less per item 
• School supplies priced at $50 or less per item 
• School teaching materials priced at $20 or less per item
• Sports equipment priced at $150 or less per item 

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Haniyah Philogene is a multimedia storyteller and Lifestyle reporter covering all things culture. With a passion for digital media, she goes above and beyond to find new ways to tell and share stories.

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