When Is Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend in Your State?

tax free weekends

Get Ready for the 2025 Tax-Free Weekend Schedule!

Tax-Free Weekends are one of the best ways to save money on school supplies, clothes, and even emergency prep gear—just by shopping at the right time. These state-specific events temporarily waive sales tax on certain items, and many of them happen in July and August, just in time for back-to-school season.

While originally intended for school shopping, several states now offer tax-free holidays geared toward hurricane preparedness too. That means you could save on more than just pencils and sneakers—you might even score a deal on generators, batteries, flashlights, and other storm essentials.

States Offering More Than Just School Supplies

Some states go above and beyond with their tax-free weekends. Take Alabama, for example—they’ve added hurricane preparedness items to their tax-free list. You can save on things like weather radios, tarps, portable generators, and even first-aid kits. If you’re in or near Alabama, it’s worth planning your purchases around their holiday.

Florida and Georgia also offer similar tax breaks for hurricane season, though their list of qualifying items is a bit more limited. Still, if you’re stocking up on emergency gear this summer, these tax-free days are a smart way to save.

target back to school supplies on sale

Don’t Miss Out! How to Save on School Supplies!

Even if your state doesn’t participate in the tax-free weekends, you can still take advantage of big back-to-school sales at stores nationwide. Combine discounts with coupons and cashback offers to get the most for your money.


What Is a Tax-Free Weekend?

A Tax-Free Weekend, or Sales Tax Holiday, is when certain items can be purchased without paying state sales tax. These holidays usually fall over a long weekend (Friday–Sunday) and are designed to give families a break during high-spend seasons—like back-to-school shopping or hurricane prep season.

Every state sets its own rules: some focus solely on school supplies, while others include clothing, computers, and even household essentials.

✅ Smart Tips to Maximize Your Savings

  • Plan big purchases, like laptops, for tax holiday periods.

  • Shop online when possible—just make sure payment and delivery are completed during the tax-free window.

  • Watch price caps, including shipping fees which can push you over the limit in some states.

  • Check for local restrictions; some counties or cities don’t opt into the state tax holidays.

  • Verify eligibility for special items like software, calculators, or energy-efficient products.

Here is our guide broken down by state:

📅 2025 Sales Tax Holiday States & Dates

State 🗓 Dates 📦 Qualifying Items & Limits
Alabama July 18–20 Clothing ≤ $100; Computers ≤ $750; Supplies ≤ $50; Books ≤ $30
Arkansas August 2–3 Clothing & footwear ≤ $100; Accessories ≤ $50; School supplies
Connecticut Aug 17–23 (tentative) Clothing & footwear ≤ $100
Florida August 1–31, annually Supplies ≤ $50; Clothing/shoes ≤ $100; Computers/accessories ≤ $1,500; Learning aids ≤ $30
Iowa Aug 1–2 Clothing & footwear ≤ $100
Maryland Aug 10–16 Clothing & footwear ≤ $100, backpacks ≤ $40
Massachusetts Aug 9–10 Most tangible items ≤ $2,500
Mississippi July 11–13 Clothing, shoes, supplies ≤ $100
Missouri Aug 1–3 Clothing ≤ $100; Supplies ≤ $50; Computers ≤ $1,500; Software, calculators limits apply
New Mexico July 25–27 Clothing ≤ $100; Supplies ≤ $30; Computers ≤ $1,000; Equipment ≤ $500
Ohio Aug 1–14 Tangible goods ≤ $500 (some exceptions)
Oklahoma Aug 1–3 Clothing & footwear ≤ $100
South Carolina Aug 1–3 Clothing, supplies, computers & printers (no limits)
Tennessee July 25–27 Clothing & supplies ≤ $100; Computers/tablets ≤ $1,500
Texas Aug 8–10 Clothing, backpacks, supplies ≤ $100
Virginia Aug 1–3 Clothing ≤ $100; Supplies ≤ $20; Energy/W&S products & storm gear
West Virginia Aug 1–4 Clothing ≤ $125; Supplies ≤ $50; Sports/education gear limits

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