Who doesn’t love seeing a lighter checkout total? Back-to-school shopping is fun until the checkout screen (and a smiling salesperson) reminds you that those notebooks, backpacks and laptops you picked up to cater to your child’s whims (or needs) have added up to a pretty good amount. And it’s not just school supplies — your wallet gets the biggest surprise at checkout when you’re shopping for clothes, dorm room essentials, surprise gifts for teachers or household stuff. That’s why every discount, no matter how small it is, feels big. After all, we aren’t paying full price at least. Now, here comes the good news — you don’t have to wait for another big sale to save.
Sales tax holidays have returned. Many US states are giving you a reason to smile at checkout once again. During these limited-time events, participating states temporarily waive or reduce sales tax on purchases. No sales tax means a smaller checkout total. Whether you’re buying a new bottle, upgrading your school laptop or just refreshing your summer wardrobe, it’s great when paying less doesn’t require a coupon code. You get an instant discount from the state. But what exactly is a sales tax holiday, and how does it work? Let’s break it down.
What is a sales tax holiday?
A sales tax holiday is a limited-time period when participating states suspend/reduce sales tax on a few qualifying items. Some tax holidays have become an annual tradition that’s followed every year; usually before the school reopens or before the summer commences. Each participating state has its own dates, list of eligible/ineligible items and spending limits. Let’s take a look at all the states that are following up with the tradition and helping you score savings.
States with sales tax holidays
There are 19 states that are offering sales tax holidays this year. They include:
1. Alabama
Sales tax holiday dates: July 17 to 19 (expired)
Included items
- Computers, school computer supplies and computer software
- Clothing
- School supplies
- Textbooks
See the full list here.
Excluded items
- Accessories
- Protective equipment
- Sports or recreational equipment
- Furniture
2. Arkansas
Sales tax holiday dates: Aug. 1 to 2
Included items
- Electronic devices commonly used by a student in the course of study.
- Clothing and footwear if the sales price is less than $100 per item
- Clothing accessories and equipment if the sales price is less than $50 per item
- School supplies
- School art supplies
- School instructional. See the full list here.
Excluded items
- Sewing equipment and supplies
- Protective equipment
- Sports or recreational equipment.
See the complete list here.
Note
Qualifying products purchased during the exemption period with rain check will qualify for the exemption regardless of when the rain check was issued.
3. Connecticut
Sales tax holiday dates: Aug. 16 to 22
Included items
Excluded items
- Any special clothing or footwear primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use.
- Jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches, and similar accessories. See the full list here.
4. Florida
Sales tax holiday dates: July 20 to Aug. 20
Included items
- Computer and related accessories (up to $1,500)
- School supplies ($50 or less)
- Wallets and bags ($100 or less)
- Learning aids or puzzles ($30 or less)
- Clothing, footwear and accessories ($100 or less). See the full list here.
Excluded items
- Briefcases, suitcases, garment bags
- Some accessories like watches etc
- Skis, swim fins, roller blades, and skates
- School supplies more than $50
- Computers and computer-related accessories (more than $1,500)
- Cellular telephones, video game consoles etc
- Does not apply to rental or repair of qualifying items.
- Sales in a theme park, public lodging establishment, entertainment complex or airport.
See the full list here.
5. Illinois
Sales tax holiday dates: Aug. 7 to 16
Included items
- Clothing and footwear (less than $125)
- School supplies.
See the full list here.
Excluded items
- Clothing (more than $125) and accessories
- Sports equipment
- Protective equipment
- Computer and related supplies
- Electronics
See the full list here.
Note
Rather than a complete exemption, Illinois slashes its sales tax by 5% – dropping the rate from 6.25% to 1.25%.
6. Iowa
Sales tax holiday dates: Aug. 7 to 8
Included items
- Clothing and footwear (less than $100 per item).
See the complete list here.
Excluded items
- Accessories
- Sports equipment
7. Maryland
Sales tax holiday dates: Aug. 9 to 15
Included items
- Clothing and footwear (less than $100 per item).
- Backpack or book bag (first $40 is exempt)
See the full list here.
Excluded items
- Accessory items, except for backpacks are not included.
8. Massachusetts
Sales tax holiday dates: Aug. 8 to 9
Included items
- Any single item less than $2,500. Should be for personal use. See the full list here.
Excluded items
- Items more than $2,500
- Motor vehicles
- Motorboats
- Telecommunications services
- Gas, steam and electricity
- Tobacco products
- Marijuana or marijuana products
- Alcoholic beverages and meals
Notes
- Internet sales also qualify for exemption. To qualify, you have to order on the sales tax holiday or during ET, and pay for the eligible item online.
- Layaway sales don’t qualify for the exemption.
9. Mississippi
Sales tax holiday dates: July 10 to 12 (expired)
Included items
- Clothing, footwear and school supplies (up to $100)
See the full list here.
10. Missouri
Sales tax holiday dates: Aug. 7 to 9
Included items
- Personal computers and related accessories ($1,500 or less)
- Computer software ($350 or less)
- Graphing calculators ($150 or less)
- School supplies ($50 or less)
- Clothing ($100 or less)
See the full list of qualifying supplies here.
Excluded items
- Jewelry, watches, watch bands, headbands, belt buckles, handbags, umbrellas, scarves, handkerchiefs and ties
- Watches, radio, CD player, cell phone, office equipment, furniture, and headphones
- Sporting equipment
11. New Mexico
Sales tax holiday dates: July 31 to Aug. 2
Included items
- Desktop, tablet, laptop, notebook computers (up to $1,000)
- Computer-related accessories ($500 or less per item)
- School supplies (under $30)
- Clothes and shoes (less than $100)
See the full list here.
Excluded items
See the full list here.
12. Ohio
Sales tax holiday dates: Aug. 7 to 9
Included items
- Clothing ($75 or less per item)
- School supplies ($20 or less per item)
- School instructional materials ($20 or less per item)
See the full list here.
13. Oklahoma
Sales tax holiday dates: Aug. 7 to 9
Included items
- Clothing and footwear (less than $100)
See the full list here.
Excluded items
- Athletic wear
- Protective wear
14. Puerto Rico
Sales tax holiday dates: July 17 to 18 (expired)
Included items
- School uniforms
- School supplies
- Instructional material
See the full list here.
15. South Carolina
Sales tax holiday dates: Aug. 7 to 9
Included items
- Electronics
- Clothing
- School supplies used for school assignments
- Bed and bath items
See the full list here.
Excluded items
- Any rented clothing or footwear
- Items used in a trade or business
- Items placed on layaway or similar deferred payment and delivery plans.
See the full list here.
16. Tennessee
Sales tax holiday dates: July 31 to Aug. 2
Included items
- Computers ($1,500 or less)
- Clothing ($100 or less)
- School or school art supplies ($100 or less)
See the full list here.
Excluded items
- Clothing accessories
- Sports or recreational equipment
- Protective equipment
See the full list here.
17. Texas
Sales tax holiday dates: Aug. 7 to 9
Included items
- Clothing, footwear or kids backpacks (under $100)
See the complete list here.
Excluded items
See the complete list here.
18. Virginia
Sales tax holiday dates: Aug. 7 to 9
Included items
- Energy Star and WaterSense products ($2,500 or less)
- Portable generators ($1,000 or less)
- Gas-powered chainsaws ($350 or less)
- Chainsaw accessories and hurricane preparedness items ($60 or less)
- Clothing and footwear ($100 or less)
- School supplies ($20 or less)
See the full list here.
19. West Virginia
Sales tax holiday dates: July 31 to Aug. 3
Included items
- Laptops and tablets ($500 or less)
- Clothing and footwear ($125 or less)
- School instructional materials ($20 or less)
- School supplies ($50 or less)
- Sports equipment ($150 or less)
See the full list here.
Excluded items
- Clothing accessories
- Sports or recreational equipment
- Protective equipment
- Products bought for trade or business
See the full list here.
Which states are offering state tax holiday on tech?
Looking to upgrade your laptop or other tech essentials before the next session starts? Here’s a list of nine states that are offering discounts on tech gear:
- Alabama: July 17 to 19 (expired). Computers, school computer supplies and computer software
- Arkansas: Aug. 1 to 2. Electronic devices commonly used by a student in the course of study.
- Florida: July 20 to Aug. 20. Computer and related accessories (up to $1,500)
- Massachusetts: Aug. 8 to 9. Any retail product (less than $2,500)
- Missouri: Aug. 7 to 9. Personal computers and related accessories ($1,500 or less), software (less than $350)
- New Mexico: July 31 to Aug. 2. Desktop, tablet, laptop, notebook computers (up to $1,000), computer-related accessories ($500 or less per item)
- South Carolina: Aug. 7 to 9. Electronics
- Tennessee: July 31 to Aug. 2. Computers ($1,500 or less)
- West Virginia: July 31 to Aug. 3. Laptops and tablets ($500 or less)
Is Apple offering a sales tax holiday on its online and offline purchases?
Yes. Apple is offering tax-free shopping on select products. Check its website for more information about discounted products.
Do online purchases qualify for a sales tax holiday?
Yes. The tax holiday applies to all online registered online retailers that are selling qualifying items in that state.
A sales tax holiday offers limited days of tax-free shopping, so we suggest you check whether your state is offering the discount and plan ahead. If your back-to-school checklist isn’t complete yet, now’s the time to finish it and save a few bucks.
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