Back to School Tax-Free Weekends 2024: Sales Tax Holidays by State + Savings Tips
Save Big on Back to School! Enjoy Tax-Free Weekends & Smart Savings Tips for 2024
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. 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 2024:
Alabama
- Dates: July 19-21
- Items:
- Clothing: Up to $100
- Computers: Up to $750
- School supplies: Up to $50
- Books: Up to $30
Arkansas
- Dates: Aug. 3-4
- Items:
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $99.99
- School supplies: No maximum
Connecticut
- Dates: Aug. 18-24
- Items:
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $99.99
Florida
- Dates:
- July 1, 2022-June 30, 2024:
- Impact-resistant doors and windows: No maximum
- July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024:
- Energy Star appliances: $1,500-$3,000
- Gas ranges and cooktops: No maximum
- July 29-Aug. 11:
- School supplies: Up to $50
- Clothing, footwear and accessories: Up to $100
- Computers and accessories: Up to $1,500
- Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles: Up to $30
- Sept. 1-7:
- Tools: Varying maximums
- July 1, 2022-June 30, 2024:
Iowa
- Dates: Aug. 2-3
- Items:
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $99.99
Louisiana
- Dates: Sept. 6-8
- Items:
- Firearms, ammunition and hunting supplies: No maximum
Maryland
- Dates: Aug. 11-17
- Items:
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $100
- Backpacks: First $40
Massachusetts
- Dates: Aug. 10-11
- Items:
- All retail items for personal use: Up to $2,500 (except vehicles, food, alcohol, gas, certain utilities, tobacco, marijuana)
Mississippi
- Dates:
- July 12-14:
- Clothing and footwear: Up to $99.99
- Select school supplies: Up to $99.99
- Aug. 30-Sept. 1:
- Firearms, ammunition and hunting supplies: No maximum
- July 12-14:
Missouri
- Dates: Aug. 2-4
- Items:
- Clothing: Up to $100
- Computers: Up to $1,500
- School supplies: Up to $50
Nevada
- Dates: Oct. 25-27
- Items:
- Purchases by National Guard members: No maximum
New Jersey
- Dates: Aug. 24-Sept.2
- Items:
- School and art supplies: No maximum
- Instruction materials: No maximum
- Computers: Up to $2,999.99
New Mexico
- Dates: Aug. 2-4
- Items:
- Clothing: Up to $99.99
- Computers: Up to $1,000
- Computer equipment: Up to $500
- School supplies: Up to $29.99
- Nov. 30:
- Certain small business purchases: Up to $499.99
Ohio
- Dates: Aug. 2-4
- Items:
- Clothing: Up to $75
- School supplies: Up to $20
Oklahoma
- Dates: Aug. 2-4
- Items:
- Clothing: Up to $99.99
South Carolina
- Dates: Aug. 2-4
- Items:
- Items include computers, school supplies and clothing: No maximum
Tennessee
- Dates: July 26-28
- Items:
- Clothing: Up to $100
- School supplies: Up to $100
- Computers: Up to $1,500
Texas
- Dates:
- May 25-27:
- Select Energy Star products, WaterSense products, Energy Star air conditioners, Energy Star refrigerators: No maximum
- Aug. 9-11:
- Clothing, backpacks and school supplies: Up to $99.99
- May 25-27:
Virginia
- Dates: Aug. 2-4
- Items:
- Clothing: Up to $100
- School supplies: Up to $20
- Energy Star and WaterSense products: Up to $2,500
- Hurricane-preparedness items: Up to $60
- Generators: Up to $1,000
West Virginia
- Dates: Aug. 2-5
- Items:
- Clothing: Up to $125
- School supplies: Up to $50
- School instruction material: Up to $20
- Sports equipment: Up to $150
- Computer or tablet: Up to $500
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.