2026 Back-to-School Tax-Free Shopping Guide
Back-to-school shopping can add up quickly between new clothes, shoes, backpacks, laptops, calculators, and classroom supplies. The good news? Many states are offering tax-free shopping events this summer, giving families the chance to save on qualifying purchases without paying state sales tax.
Each state has its own shopping dates, price limits, and eligible items, so we’ve rounded everything up in one easy guide. Be sure to check your state’s official website before you shop, as some local rules and exclusions may apply.
Alabama
July 17–19, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
Clothing priced at $100 or less per item
School supplies priced at $50 or less
Books priced at $30 or less
Computers priced at $750 or less
Official information:
https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/sales-use/sales-tax-holidays/
Arkansas
August 1–2, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
Clothing and footwear under $100 per item
Clothing accessories under $50
School and art supplies
Instructional books and workbooks
Computers, tablets, calculators, cell phones, and other qualifying electronic devices
Official information:
https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/taxes/excise-tax-administration/sales-use-tax/2026-sales-tax-holiday
Connecticut
August 16–22, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
Clothing and footwear under $100 per item (some exclusions apply)
Official information:
https://portal.ct.gov/drs
Florida
July 20–August 20, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
Clothing, shoes, and select accessories under $100
School supplies under $50
Computers and accessories under $1,500
Learning aids and puzzles under $30
Official information:
https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips
Iowa
August 7–8, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
Clothing and footwear under $100 per item
Official information:
https://tax.iowa.gov
Maryland
August 9–15, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
Clothing and footwear under $100
The first $40 of a backpack purchase
Official information:
https://www.marylandtaxes.gov
Massachusetts
August 8–9, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
- Most retail items priced up to $2,500 for personal use
Official information:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-sales-tax-holiday-frequently-asked-questions
Mississippi
July 10–12, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
- Clothing and footwear under $100 per item
- School supplies under $100 per item
Official information:
https://www.dor.ms.gov
Missouri
August 7–9, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
- Clothing under $100 per item
- School supplies under $50 per item
- Graphing calculators under $150
- Computer software under $350
- Computers and qualifying peripherals under $1,500
Official information:
https://dor.mo.gov/taxation/business/tax-types/sales-use/holidays/
New Mexico
July 31–August 2, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
- Clothing and shoes under $100
- Computers under $1,000
- Computer accessories under $500
- School supplies under $30
Official information:
https://www.tax.newmexico.gov
Ohio
August 7–9, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
- Nearly all tangible personal property priced at $500 or less
Official information:
https://tax.ohio.gov
Oklahoma
August 7–9, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
- Clothing and footwear under $100
- Accessories and athletic or protective gear are excluded
Official information:
https://oklahoma.gov/tax.html
South Carolina
August 7–9, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
- Clothing and footwear
- School supplies
- Computers and printers
- Flash drives
- Musical instruments
- School uniforms
- Backpacks
- Bedding
- Diapers
Official information:
https://dor.sc.gov/taxfreeweekend
Tennessee
July 31–August 2, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
- Clothing under $100
- School and art supplies under $100
- Backpacks under $100
- Computers under $1,500
Official information:
https://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday.html
Texas
August 7–9, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
- Clothing and footwear under $100
- School supplies under $100
- Backpacks under $100
Official information:
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/
Virginia
August 7–9, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
- Clothing and footwear under $100
- School supplies priced at $20 or less per item
Official information:
https://www.tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday
West Virginia
July 31–August 3, 2026
Eligible purchases include:
- Clothing under $125
- School supplies under $50
- School instructional materials under $20
- Laptops and tablets under $500
- Sports equipment under $150
Official information:
https://tax.wv.gov
Shopping Tips
- Most major retailers automatically remove sales tax on qualifying items at checkout.
- Online purchases usually qualify if they’re placed during your state’s tax-free holiday.
- Price limits apply per item, not per transaction.
- Some states exclude accessories, athletic equipment, or specialty items, so check your state’s official guidelines before shopping.
Planning your shopping around these tax-free weekends can lead to significant savings, especially if you’re purchasing clothing, school supplies, electronics, and backpacks for multiple children. If your state is not listed Google “tax free days in ()) to see if it’s listed yet.
