Back to School Tax-Free Weekends 2025: Sales Tax Holidays by State + Savings Tips
Save Big on Back to School! Enjoy Tax-Free Weekends & Smart Savings Tips for 2025!
Summer is here, but back-to-school shopping season is just around the corner, along with states’ tax-free weekends. Seventeen states offer tax-free weekends, also known as “tax-free weekends,” providing significant savings, especially in states with high sales tax rates like California, where it can reach up to 7.25%. These events typically occur in July.
Shopping during tax-free weekends is a great way to save extra money, especially since there are often fantastic back-to-school sales coinciding with these weekends! National retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, and Target participate, ensuring that you don’t pay any sales tax on eligible items during your state’s designated tax-free period.
What are Tax-Free Weekends?
During tax-free weekends (or weeks), participating states waive sales tax on certain items to ease back-to-school expenses. Eligible purchases vary by state and typically include clothing, school supplies, computers, and sometimes larger items like appliances and furniture.
When is Tax-Free Weekend?
Each state determines its own tax-free weekend dates and eligible items. For instance, Texas typically holds its tax-free weekend in August, while Florida hosts it in July but this year will be in August. Check your state's department of revenue website or local news sources for exact dates and guidelines. Exact dates and eligible items vary by state, so it’s important to check your state’s guidelines.
Tax-Free Weekend Dates By State for 2025:
- Dates: July 18-20
- Clothing: Up to $100
- Computers: Up to $750
- School supplies: Up to $50
- Books: Up to $30
- Dates: Aug. 2-3
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $99.99
- Accessories under $50
- Select school/art supplies
- Select books like workbooks, textbooks, reference materials
- Electronic Devices like laptops, desktops, calculators, cell phones, tablets (No maximum)
- Dates: Aug. 17-23
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $99.99 per item (Excludes Athletic uniforms and gear)
- Dates: Aug. 1 – August 31
- Clothing, footwear and certain accessories up to $99.99 per item
- Dates: Aug. 1-2
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $99.99
- Dates: Aug. 10-18
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $100
- Backpacks: First $40
- Dates: Aug. 9-10
- Retail items of up to $2,500, purchased in Massachusetts for personal use on these two days, will be exempt from sales tax.
- Dates: July 11-13
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $99.99
- Select school supplies: Up to $99.99
- Dates: Aug. 1-3
- Clothing: Up to $100
- Computers: Up to $1,500
- School supplies: Up to $50
- Computer software under $350 per item
- Graphing calculators under $150 per item
- Dates: Oct. 25-27
- Clothing and shoes up to $99.99 per item
- Computers under $1,000 per item
- Computer Peripheral items under $500 per item
- School supplies under $30 per item
- Dates: Aug. 1-14
- Almost all tangible personal property priced at $500 or less is tax-free
- Dates: Aug. 1-3
- Clothing and footwear up to $99.99
- Accessories and athletic footwear/protective gear excluded
- Dates: Aug. 1-3
- Items include computers, school supplies and clothing, footwear, bedding, Musical Instruments, diapers
- Dates: July 25-27
- Clothing: Up to $99.99
- School supplies: Up to $100
- Computers: Up to $1,500
- Backpacks under $100 per item
- Dates: Aug. 8-10
- Clothing & footwear items up to $99.99 per item (excludes athletic gear)
- School & art supplies up to $99.99$
- Backpacks under $100 per item
- Dates: Aug. 1-3
- Clothing: Up to $99.99
- School supplies under $20 per item
- Dates: Aug. 1-4
- Clothing under $125 per item
- School supplies under $50 per item
- School instruction material under $20 per item
- Laptop and tablet computers under $500 per item
- Sports equipment under $150 per item
Tips for Making the Most Out of Tax-Free Weekend:
- Making the most out of tax-free weekends can be a smart strategy for saving money, especially on back-to-school shopping. Here are some tips to maximize your savings:
- Plan Ahead: Research which items are eligible for tax exemption in your state during the tax-free weekend. Each state has its own rules on what qualifies (e.g., clothing, school supplies, electronics) and any price limits per item.
- Make a List: Create a shopping list based on your needs, focusing on items that are eligible for tax exemption. This will help you stay organized and avoid impulse buys that may not qualify.
- Compare Prices: Before the tax-free weekend begins, check prices at different stores or online retailers. Sometimes, even with the tax exemption, prices can vary, and you want to ensure you're getting the best deal overall.
- Stack Coupons and Discounts: Some retailers allow you to use coupons or offer additional discounts during tax-free weekends. Stack these with the tax exemption to maximize your savings. If you're looking for more ways to save, be sure to check out all the ways to get free school supplies.
- Shop Early: Tax-free weekends can get crowded, especially on popular items. Consider shopping early in the day to avoid long lines and ensure items are still in stock.
- Shop Online: Many online retailers participate in tax-free weekends and may offer free shipping options, making it convenient to shop from home while still enjoying the tax benefits.
- Check Return Policies: Understand the return policies of the stores where you shop during the tax-free weekend. This ensures you can easily return or exchange items if needed without losing out on your savings.
Tax Free Weekend (FAQ)
What items are usually eligible for tax exemption during these weekends?
- Eligible items typically include:
- Clothing and footwear (often up to a certain dollar amount per item)
- School supplies such as notebooks, pens, and backpacks
- Computers and related accessories
- Some states may include additional items like books, sports equipment, and energy-efficient appliances.
Is the tax-free weekend only for back-to-school shopping?
While the name suggests a focus on back-to-school shopping, the tax-free weekend often includes items useful for everyday life, home improvement, and preparation for various seasonal needs beyond school supplies.
Are all states participating in back-to-school tax-free weekends?
- No, not all states participate, and those that do may have different dates and eligibility criteria. It's essential to check with your state's department of revenue or taxation for specific details each year. See above ^^
How much can I save during a tax-free weekend?
- Savings vary depending on the state and the items purchased. Generally, shoppers can save the equivalent of the state sales tax percentage on eligible items. In some states where sales tax rates are higher, the savings can be significant.
Do online purchases qualify for the tax exemption?
- Yes, in most states, online purchases made during the tax-free weekend qualify for the sales tax exemption, provided the items meet the eligibility criteria set by the state.
Can businesses participate in the tax-free weekend?
- Yes, businesses are encouraged to participate by offering sales and promotions during the tax-free weekend. It's an opportunity for retailers to attract customers with discounted prices on eligible items.
Are there any limitations or exclusions to be aware of?
- Yes, each state has specific rules regarding eligible items, price limits per item, and types of transactions covered. Items like jewelry, electronics not used for educational purposes, and certain accessories may not qualify for the tax exemption.
How can I find out more information about my state's tax-free weekend?
- You can visit your state's department of revenue or taxation website for detailed information on dates, eligible items, and any updates or changes to the tax-free weekend guidelines.