Holiday Tax Free Weekend: Which states have tax-free sales this month for back-to-school supplies?

It's that time of year again: back-to-school shopping season. While the thought of spending a fortune on school gear and electronics might not excite you, there's a way to save: shop during your state's sales tax holiday weekend.

This year, 16 U.S. states are offering tax-free weekends throughout July and August to provide financial relief on back-to-school items. These holidays can help you save on essentials like clothing and school supplies, as well as big-ticket items like laptops. Each state has its own rules and tax exemptions, so be sure to check the specifics for your state.

Dont forget - this weekend is South Carolinas annual Tax Free Weekend! Save online and in stores on back-to-school necessities like clothing, backpacks, and even computers.

Wondering what else qualifies? Check out https://t.co/n4lBWAEcQp for a complete list. pic.twitter.com/IjvN8ltLwd

? Palmetto Promise (@PalmettoPromise) August 1, 2024

The first weekend in August is especially popular for sales tax holidays, with nine states offering exemptions during that time. Fourteen states total host sales tax holidays that run in August.

Here's a quick overview of the states holding back-to-school sales tax holidays in 2024:

• Alabama (July 19-21, 2024):

- Most clothing under $100, including pants, shirts, shoes, coats, and school uniforms, as well as diapers.

- Computers under $750.

- School supplies costing less than $50 per item.

- Books under $30.

• Arkansas (Aug. 3-4, 2024):

- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item.

- Clothing accessories and equipment: $50 or less per item.

- School supplies, computers, and electronics.

• Connecticut (Aug. 18-24, 2024):

- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item, excluding athletic gear and uniforms.

• Florida (July 29-Aug. 11, 2024):

- Clothing, accessories, and shoes less than $100.

- School supplies less than $50 per item.

- Learning aids less than $30 per item.

- Personal computers and computer accessories under $1,500.

• Iowa (Aug. 2-3, 2024):

- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item, excluding some accessories and sporting equipment.

• Maryland (Aug. 11-17, 2024):

- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item.

- Backpacks: Tax-free for the first $40.

• Massachusetts (Aug. 10-11, 2024):

- All retail items purchased for personal use for $2,500 or less.

- Excluded items include meals, cars, boats, trucks, gasoline, cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol.

• Mississippi (July 26-27, 2024):

- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item.

- School supplies: $100 or less per item.

• Missouri (Aug. 2-4, 2024):

- Clothing: $100 or less per item.

- School supplies: $50 or less per item.

- Computer software: $350 or less per item.

- Personal computers and peripherals: $1,500 or less per item.

- Graphing calculators: $150 or less per item.

• New Mexico (Aug. 2-4, 2024):

- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item.

- Computers: $1,000 or less per item.

- Computer peripherals like monitors or keyboards: $500 or less per item.

- School supplies: $30 or less per item.

• Ohio (July 30-Aug. 8, 2024):

- All retail items purchased for $500 or less.

- Excluded items include cars, boats, trucks, cigarettes, vapor products, marijuana, alcohol, and select services.

• Oklahoma (Aug. 2-4, 2024):

- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item, excluding athletic gear and uniforms.

• South Carolina (Aug. 2-4, 2024):

- Clothing and shoes, including school or athletic uniforms.

- School supplies, art supplies, and musical instruments.

- Bedding, pillows, and blankets.

- Computers, headphones, and flash drives.

• Tennessee (July 26-28, 2024):

- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item, excluding handbags, jewelry, and sports gear.

- School and art supplies: $100 or less per item.

- Laptops, tablets, and computers: $1,500 or less per item.

• Texas (Aug. 9-11, 2024):

- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item.

- School supplies: $100 or less per item.

- Backpacks: $100 or less.

• West Virginia (Aug. 2-4, 2024):

- Clothing: $125 or less per item.

- Certain school supplies: $50 or less per item.

- School books and instructional materials: $20 or less per item.

- Laptop and tablets: $500 or less per item.

- Sports equipment: $150 or less per item.

Dont forget, the Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend is almost here! Save up to 8% on clothing, school supplies, & more. Check with your favorite local businesses for participation info! Aug. 2 through 4. Link in the bio. #OneAlbuquerquepic.twitter.com/EiwYzjN2lX

? City of Albuquerque (@cabq) July 31, 2024

What is a Sales Tax Holiday?

A sales tax holiday, also called a tax-free weekend or week, is a period when certain items are exempt from sales tax. Most states that participate in tax holidays hold an event in the summer that aligns with back-to-school shopping, with exemptions commonly including laptops, clothing, school supplies, and other accessories.