Tax-Free Holidays are a Great Time to Save!
Tax-free holidays are not just for back-to-school shopping. Depending on your state, you may be able to save on clothing, shoes, computers, electronics, emergency supplies, outdoor gear, household products, and more.
These events are especially valuable because many retailers run major sales at the same time. That means you may be able to combine sale prices with coupons, cashback offers, rebate apps, store rewards, and the additional savings from not paying sales tax.
Even if your state does not participate, it is still a great time to shop. National retailers often run some of their best back-to-school and seasonal promotions during these weeks, so shoppers across the country can take advantage of lower prices.
Before shopping, check your state’s qualifying items and price limits. Each state has different rules, and some holidays cover much more than basic school supplies.
Get Ready for the 2026 Tax-Free Weekend Schedule!
Tax-free weekends are one of the best ways to save money on school supplies, clothing, shoes, computers, and other back-to-school essentials simply by shopping at the right time.
During these state sales tax holidays, qualifying purchases can be made without paying some or all state sales tax. Most events take place in July and August, just in time for back-to-school shopping.
Every state sets its own dates, spending limits, and rules. Some holidays cover only clothing and school supplies, while others include computers, electronics, hurricane supplies, Energy Star products, and other household purchases.
Tax-Free Shopping Beyond School Supplies
A few states offer additional tax-free events throughout the year. These may include emergency-preparedness supplies, energy-efficient appliances, hunting and fishing equipment, or other seasonal purchases.
Virginia includes certain hurricane-preparedness and Energy Star products during its August sales tax holiday. Other states, including Alabama and Texas, hold separate emergency-preparedness tax holidays earlier in the year.
Florida does not have a hurricane-preparedness sales tax holiday scheduled for 2026. However, Florida will offer a separate Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday from September 1 through December 31, 2026.
What Is a Sales Tax Holiday?
A sales tax holiday, often called a tax-free weekend, is a limited period when qualifying purchases are exempt from state sales tax. Some local taxes may still apply depending on the state and whether local governments participate.
Although many events take place over a Friday-through-Sunday weekend, some states offer a full week or even a month of tax-free shopping.
Tips for Tax-Free Shopping
- Check the price limit for each item. An item that costs even slightly more than the limit may be fully taxable.
- Plan larger purchases carefully. Computers are included in some states but excluded in others.
- Compare sale prices before shopping. A tax-free purchase is not necessarily the lowest available price.
- Use coupons and store rewards. Most retailers allow discounts to be combined with tax-free savings.
- Review online-order rules. Orders usually must be placed and accepted during the holiday period, although delivery may occur later.
- Watch shipping and handling charges. In some states, these charges may affect whether an item falls under the price limit.
- Check local participation. Certain local governments may choose whether to participate in a state holiday.
- Verify qualifying items before buying. Accessories, sports equipment, software, and electronics may have separate rules.
2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holidays by State
The dates and limits below apply to the primary back-to-school or general sales tax holiday offered by each participating state in 2026.
| State | 2026 Dates | Qualifying Items and Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | July 17–19 | Clothing up to $156 per item; computers up to $1,173; school supplies up to $78 per item; books up to $47 per item. Local participation may vary. |
| Arkansas | August 1–2 | Clothing and footwear under $100 per item; accessories under $50; qualifying school supplies, art supplies, instructional materials, and electronic devices have no price cap. |
| Connecticut | August 16–22 | Qualifying clothing and footwear priced under $300 per item. Backpacks and cleated shoes are included for 2026. |
| Florida | July 20–August 20 | Learning aids and puzzles up to $30; school supplies up to $50; clothing, footwear, wallets, and bags up to $100; personal computers and qualifying accessories up to $1,500. |
| Illinois | August 7–16 | Qualifying clothing and footwear under $125, along with eligible school, art, instructional, and computer supplies. The state sales tax rate is reduced rather than completely eliminated, and local taxes may still apply. |
| Iowa | August 7–8 | Qualifying clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item. |
| Maryland | August 9–15 | Qualifying clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item. The first $40 of a qualifying backpack or bookbag is also exempt. |
| Massachusetts | August 8–9 | Most qualifying tangible personal property purchased for personal use and priced at $2,500 or less. Several exclusions apply. |
| Mississippi | July 10–12 | Qualifying clothing, footwear, and school supplies priced under $100 per item. |
| Missouri | August 7–9 | Clothing up to $100 per item; school supplies up to $50; computer software up to $350; computers and qualifying accessories up to $1,500; graphing calculators up to $150. |
| New Mexico | July 31–August 2 | Clothing and footwear under $100 per item; school supplies up to $30; computers up to $1,000; qualifying computer equipment up to $500. |
| Ohio | August 7–9 | Clothing up to $75 per item; school supplies and instructional materials up to $20 per item. Computers and general merchandise are not included in the 2026 holiday. |
| Oklahoma | August 7–9 | Qualifying clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item. |
| South Carolina | August 7–9 | Qualifying clothing, footwear, accessories, school supplies, computers, printers, and software. South Carolina generally does not impose price limits on eligible purchases. |
| Tennessee | July 31–August 2 | Clothing and school supplies up to $100 per item; qualifying computers and tablets up to $1,500. |
| Texas | August 7–9 | Qualifying clothing, footwear, backpacks, and school supplies priced under $100 per item. |
| Virginia | August 7–9 | School supplies up to $20 per item; clothing and footwear up to $100; qualifying hurricane-preparedness products, including generators up to $1,000; and qualifying Energy Star and WaterSense products up to $2,500. |
| West Virginia | July 31–August 3 | Clothing up to $125; computers and tablets up to $500; school supplies up to $50; instructional materials up to $20; qualifying sports equipment up to $150. |
Dates, qualifying products, and price limits can change. Check your state tax department’s official website before making a large purchase.
