As August approaches, families across the United States prepare for the back-to-school season. Several states offer tax-free weekends to ease the financial burden, allowing shoppers to purchase essential school supplies without paying sales tax.
This year, numerous states are participating in this annual event, providing significant savings on items like clothing, footwear, and school supplies. About 14 states are offering tax-free sales in just the month of August.
What is a sales tax holiday?
A sales tax holiday, also called a tax-free weekend or week, is a period in a year during which certain items (mostly back-to-school items) are exempt from sales tax. A summer event is often held by states willing to participate in the tax-free holiday. These events align with back-to-school shopping, with exemptions commonly including laptops, clothing, school supplies, and other accessories.
List of States Offering Tax-Free Sales in August
Here is an overview of states holding back-to-school sales tax holidays in August.
Arkansas
Dates: August 3-4, 2024
Eligible Items:
- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item.
- Clothing accessories and equipment: $50 or less per item.
- School supplies, computers, and electronics.
Arkansas offers a weekend dedicated to tax-free shopping on various school-related items. Parents can purchase everything from clothing to school supplies, ensuring their children are well-prepared for the upcoming academic year.
Connecticut
Dates: August 18-24, 2024
Eligible Items:
- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item, excluding athletic gear and uniforms.
Connecticut extends its tax-free shopping event to an entire week, providing ample time for residents to take advantage of the savings. This particularly benefits those needing more time to gather their back-to-school lists.
Florida
Dates: July 29 – August 11, 2024
Eligible Items:
- Clothing, accessories, and shoes are less than $100.
- School supplies less than $50 per item.
- Learning aids are less than $30 per item.
- Personal computers and computer accessories under $1,500
Florida’s tax-free period spans nearly two weeks, offering a wide range of eligible items. This extensive time frame allows families to plan their shopping trips conveniently and save significantly on school supplies and electronics.
Iowa
Dates: August 2-3, 2024
Eligible Items:
- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item, excluding some accessories and sporting equipment
Iowa’s tax-free weekend focuses on essential items such as clothing and footwear, making it easier for families to get ready for the school year without the additional cost of sales tax.
Maryland
Dates: August 11-17, 2024
Eligible Items:
- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item.
- Backpacks: Tax-free for the first $40.
Maryland’s tax-free week includes a broad spectrum of items, particularly on school backpacks and clothing. This event ensures students have all the necessary gear for the school year.
Massachusetts
Dates: August 10-11, 2024
Eligible Items:
- All retail items purchased for personal use for $2,500 or less.
- Excluded items include meals, cars, boats, trucks, gasoline, cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol.
Massachusetts offers a weekend event that allows residents to shop tax-free for various items. This opportunity is ideal for families looking to make the most of their back-to-school budget.
Missouri
Dates: August 2-4, 2024
Eligible Items:
- Clothing: $100 or less per item.
- School supplies: $50 or less per item.
- Computer software: $350 or less per item.
- Personal computers and peripherals: $1,500 or less per item.
- Graphing calculators: $150 or less per item.
Missouri’s tax-free weekend covers a range of back-to-school items, making it a great time to buy computers and other tech gadgets necessary for the modern classroom.
New Mexico
Dates: August 2-4, 2024
Eligible Items:
- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item.
- Computers: $1,000 or less per item.
- Computer peripherals like monitors or keyboards: $500 or less per item.
- School supplies: $30 or less per item.
New Mexico’s event allows for significant savings on various back-to-school essentials, including clothing and technology.
Ohio
Dates: July 30-August 8, 2024
Eligible Items:
- All retail items purchased for $500 or less.
- Excluded items include cars, boats, trucks, cigarettes, vapor products, marijuana, alcohol, and select services.
Ohio’s tax-free weekend allows families to save on clothing and school supplies, ensuring students have everything they need for a successful school year.
Oklahoma
Dates: August 2-4, 2024
Eligible Items:
- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item, excluding athletic gear and uniforms.
Oklahoma’s tax-free event focuses on clothing and footwear, helping families prepare for the new school year without the burden of sales tax.
South Carolina
Dates: August 2-4, 2024
Eligible Items:
- Clothing and shoes, including school or athletic uniforms.
- School supplies, art supplies, and musical instruments.
- Bedding, pillows, and blankets.
- Computers, headphones, and flash drives.
South Carolina offers a comprehensive tax-free weekend that includes a wide range of school necessities, from computers to clothing, providing significant savings for families.
Texas
Dates: August 9-11, 2024
Eligible Items:
- Clothing and shoes: $100 or less per item.
- School supplies: $100 or less per item.
- Backpacks: $100 or less.
Texas rounds out the list with a tax-free weekend that covers a variety of back-to-school essentials, making it easier for families to prepare for the new school year.
Virginia
Dates: August 2-4, 2024
Eligible Items:
- Clothing: $125 or less per item.
- Certain school supplies: $50 or less per item.
- School books and instructional materials: $20 or less per item.
- Laptops and tablets: $500 or less per item.
- Sports equipment: $150 or less per item.
Virginia’s tax-free weekend provides an opportunity for families to save on essential back-to-school items, ensuring students are well-equipped for the academic year.
