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:
Alabama
Dates: July 18-20
- Clothing: Up to $100
- Computers: Up to $750
- School supplies: Up to $50
- Books: Up to $30
Arkansas
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)
Connecticut
Dates: Aug. 17-23
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $99.99 per item (Excludes Athletic uniforms and gear)
Florida
Dates: Aug. 1 – August 31
- Clothing, footwear and certain accessories up to $99.99 per item
Iowa
Dates: Aug. 1-2
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $99.99
Maryland
Dates: Aug. 10-18
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $100
- Backpacks: First $40
Massachusetts
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.
Mississippi
Dates: July 11-13
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $99.99
- Select school supplies: Up to $99.99
Missouri
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
New Mexico
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
Ohio
Dates: Aug. 1-14
- Almost all tangible personal property priced at $500 or less is tax-free
Oklahoma
Dates: Aug. 1-3
- Clothing and footwear up to $99.99
- Accessories and athletic footwear/protective gear excluded
South Carolina
Dates: Aug. 1-3
- Items include computers, school supplies and clothing, footwear, bedding, Musical Instruments, diapers
Tennessee
Dates: July 25-27
- Clothing: Up to $99.99
- School supplies: Up to $100
- Computers: Up to $1,500
- Backpacks under $100 per item
Texas
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
Virginia
Dates: Aug. 1-3
- Clothing: Up to $99.99
- School supplies under $20 per item
West Virginia
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
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.
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.
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.
