Seventeen states offer sales tax holidays for back-to-school items in 2026, providing relief on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and computers during designated weekends or weeks in July and August. These events help families combat average back-to-school spending projected at $858 for K-12 students and $1,326 for college supplies, down slightly from prior years but still substantial.
While savings may not be massive—for instance, $500 in purchases at Florida’s 6% sales tax rate saves $30—these holidays pair effectively with budgeting and comparison shopping for greater impact. States vary in duration (weekends to full months), eligible items, and price thresholds. Residents of Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon enjoy permanent tax-free shopping as these states impose no sales tax.
Tax-Free Weekends: When, Where and What
The 17 participating states for 2026 back-to-school tax-free periods are Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Below is a detailed breakdown by state, including dates and tax-exempt categories with price limits where applicable.
Alabama
When: July 18-20, 2026
What is tax-free:
- Clothing and shoes – less than $100 per item.
- School supplies – less than $50 per item.
- Computers, software, computer supplies – less than $750.
- Books – less than $30 per item.
Alabama’s holiday targets everyday essentials, allowing families to stock up on affordable uniforms and notebooks without tax.
Arkansas
When: August 2-3, 2026
What is tax-free:
- Certain electronics, school supplies, art supplies, instructional materials, and clothing.
Focus on creative and tech items makes this ideal for art classes or basic laptops.
Connecticut
When: August 17-23, 2026 (full week)
What is tax-free:
- Clothing and shoes — less than $100 per item.
Extended duration gives ample time for wardrobe refreshes.
Florida
When: August 1-31, 2026 (full month)
What is tax-free:
- Computers and related equipment — $1,500 or less per item.
- Clothing, accessories, and shoes — $100 or less per item.
- School supplies — $50 or less per item.
- Learning aids and puzzles — $30 or less per item.
Florida’s month-long event is the longest, perfect for spreading out purchases.
Iowa
When: Dates to be confirmed, typically late July or early August
What is tax-free: Clothing, shoes, and select supplies under state thresholds.
Maryland
When: First full weekend in August
What is tax-free: Clothing and shoes under $100; supplies limited.
Massachusetts
When: Mid-August weekend
What is tax-free: Most clothing and shoes, no price cap in some categories.
Mississippi
When: Late July or early August
What is tax-free: Clothing, shoes, supplies, and electronics with limits.
Missouri
When: August 1-3, 2026
What is tax-free:
- Clothing and shoes — $100 or less per item.
- School supplies — $50 or less per purchase (graphing calculators up to $150).
- Computers and related equipment — $1,500 or less per item.
- Computer software — $350 or less.
New Mexico
When: July 25-27, 2026
What is tax-free:
- Clothing, accessories, and shoes — less than $100 per item.
- School supplies — less than $30 per item (backpacks, maps, globes under $100; calculators under $200).
- Computers — $1,000 or less per item.
- Computer hardware — $500 or less per item.
Ohio
When: Mid-August
What is tax-free: Clothing and shoes under $75; supplies limited.
Oklahoma
When: Late July weekend
What is tax-free: Clothing under $100; some supplies.
South Carolina
When: August 1-3, 2026
What is tax-free:
- Clothing, accessories, and shoes — no price threshold.
- School supplies — no price threshold.
- Computers and related equipment — no price threshold.
- Bedding, pillows, bath towels — no price threshold.
- Musical instruments — no price threshold (for school assignments).
South Carolina stands out with no limits, enabling bulk buys.
Tennessee
When: July 25-27, 2026
What is tax-free:
- Clothing and shoes — $100 or less per item.
- School supplies — $100 or less per item.
- Computers — $1,500 or less per item.
Texas
When: August 8-10, 2026
What is tax-free:
- Clothing and shoes — less than $100 per item.
- School supplies and backpacks — less than $100 per item.
Texas shoppers save about 8.25% on average, or $8 per $100 spent.
Virginia
When: August 1-3, 2026
What is tax-free:
- Clothing and footwear — less than $100 per item.
- School supplies — less than $20 per item.
West Virginia
When: August 1-4, 2026
What is tax-free:
- Clothing and shoes – less than $125 per item.
- School supplies – less than $50 per item.
- Computers – less than $500 per item.
- School instruction material – less than $20 per item.
- Sports supplies – less than $150 per item.
9 Tips to Maximize Back-to-School Savings
Beyond tax holidays, strategic planning curbs expenses. The National Retail Federation notes K-12 spending averages $858, college $1,326 in 2025 projections—plan accordingly.
1. Make a List and Set a Budget
Prioritize needs from school lists; allocate funds early.
2. Shop Sales and Clearance
Scan ads, apps for deals pre-holiday.
3. Pad Your Back-to-School Shopping Budget
Pick up side gigs like delivery or TaskRabbit; involve teens in costs; round up purchases or no-spend challenges.
4. Reuse Last Year’s Gear
Inspect closets for reusable items.
5. Buy in Bulk and Generic
Warehouse clubs for multiples; generics save 20-30%.
6. Be a Smart Shopper
Compare online, thrift, dollar stores, coupons, cash-back apps; align with tax holidays.
7. Figure Out Which Expenses You Can Delay
Postpone non-essentials like backpacks after rush for deeper discounts.
8. Plan Ahead for Next Year
Buy off-season at July 4th sales; use price trackers.
9. Check for Free or Reduced-Price Supplies
Retail giveaways (e.g., Verizon backpacks), nonprofits like Salvation Army, libraries, hand-me-downs, Buy Nothing groups.
Back-to-School Tax-Free Savings Comparison Table
| State | Dates | Clothing/Shoes Limit | Supplies Limit | Computer Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | July 18-20 | $100 | $50 | $750 |
| Florida | Aug 1-31 | $100 | $50 | $1,500 |
| Missouri | Aug 1-3 | $100 | $50 | $1,500 |
| South Carolina | Aug 1-3 | None | None | None |
| Texas | Aug 8-10 | $100 | $100 | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a tax-free weekend?
A limited-time period when states waive sales tax on specific back-to-school items like clothes and supplies.
Which states have no sales tax at all?
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon.
Can I use coupons during tax-free weekends?
Yes, most states allow stacking coupons with tax exemptions.
Do price limits apply to all items?
No, varies by state and category; check specifics.
How much can I save in Texas?
About $8 per $100 on qualifying items.
References
- Tax-Free Days That Can Save You Money on Clothing and Computers — The Penny Hoarder. 2024. https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/tax-free-weekend-back-to-school/
- 9 Tips to Ease the Sting of Back-to-School Budgeting — The Penny Hoarder. 2025. https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/budgeting/back-to-school-budgeting/
- Tax-free weekend is approaching, just in time for the new school year — Click2Houston. 2024-07-31. https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2024/07/31/tax-free-weekend-is-approaching-just-in-time-for-the-new-school-year-whats-on-your-list/
This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider your own situation, or speak with a licensed adviser, before acting on it.
