It feels like summer just began, but back-to-school shopping season is somehow already upon us. And with it comes one of the more exciting times for us savvy shoppers: tax-free weekends!
These sales tax holidays offer a great opportunity to save a little extra cash when purchasing a variety of essential items — even if you don’t have any school-aged kids in your life. Clothing and computers are common items for tax-free eligibility in most participating states, so don’t miss your chance to bypass that sneaky state sales tax. (It can really add up, especially when it comes to big-ticket items!)
In this economy, it feels more important than ever to save where we can — and tax-free weekends help us do just that. This is also a really great time to stock up on essentials in the hopes of getting ahead of any new tariffs that could be coming down the pipeline in the coming months.
Read on to find out if your state is participating in one of these sales tax holidays — or if you need to start planning a little road trip to a neighboring state!
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What are Tax-Free Weekends?
During tax-free weekends (or weeks, in some cases), participating states eliminate sales tax on certain items like school supplies and clothing to make back-to-school shopping a little more affordable. This is why they are often referred to as back-to-school sales tax holidays or back-to-school tax-free weekends — but some states include items that go far beyond the classroom.
For example, South Carolina includes bed and bath items in their exemption — perfect for students heading off to their college dorms — and Virginia’s tax-free holiday includes hurricane preparedness items and select major home appliances. And shoppers in Massachusetts and Ohio are in for a real treat as these states exempt sales tax on nearly all non-commercial purchases for their tax-free holidays!
No matter which participating state you’re in, you’ll pay no sales tax as long as you shop tax-free-eligible items during that state’s tax-free holiday. This is true for both in-store and online retailers! No paperwork or coupon is required; the state sales tax will just be waived at checkout. Just remember that all states offering tax-free weekends place some restrictions on what you can buy tax-free, or at least put a price cap on how much you can spend on an item before paying tax.
And, yes, national retailers are required to participate in tax-free weekends in the states where they do business. So, as long as you’re shopping in-state during a sales tax holiday, you won’t pay state sales tax at retailers like Walmart, Amazon and Target. And if you’re shopping online, you just need to make sure the shipping and billing address indicate that you’re in the same state that’s hosting the sales tax holiday at that time.
We’ve confirmed 18 states are holding back-to-school sales tax holidays in 2025, and we’ve compiled all the information you need to know about them below. Note that some municipalities charge their own local taxes and those are not always waived during sales tax holidays. We’ve noted these instances wherever possible, but be sure to check your local statutes before you shop!
When is Tax-Free Weekend?
The tax-free weekend dates vary by state, but most states hosting tax-free shopping events throw them in August — just in time for back-to-school season. In fact, there is a cluster of states that throw sales tax holidays during the first weekend of August, including Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. That said, a few tax-free shopping weekends take place in July and a few take place later in August.
Note that some states — including Alabama, Texas, Maryland and Missouri — offer additional tax-free holidays for severe weather preparedness or eco-friendly purchases, but these typically occur in the spring.
Tax-Free Weekend Dates By State for 2025
Below you will find a list of all the states hosting back-to-school tax free weekends this year, as well as the states offering tax-free weeks and weekends at other points of the year.
Alabama Tax-Free Weekend
When is Alabama Tax-Free Weekend?
July 18 at 12:01 a.m. through July 20, 2025
What Items Are Tax Free:
- Clothing ($100 or less per item)
- Computers, software and supplies (single purchase of $750 or less)
- School supplies, including art supplies and instructional material ($50 or less per item)
- Books ($30 or less per book)
Note: Aside from computers, the thresholds listed above are per item, not per cart. So, for example, that means you can load up your cart with more than $100 of clothing, and it’s all tax free as long as each item is $100 or less. A laptop or desktop computer package (complete with monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.) is tax-free-eligible if sold in a single purchase for $750 or less.
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Some items are restricted, including gaming systems, handbags, helmets, sport clothing and more.
Alaska Tax-Free Weekend*
When is Alaska Tax-Free Week?
October 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025
*Note: Alaska does not assess a state sales tax rate, but the state constitution allows municipalities to impose a local sales tax. Some municipalities do not have state or local sales tax year-round — including Anchorage and Fairbanks — so every day is a sales tax holiday! But of those that have imposed a local sales tax, only one municipality (Skagway Borough) passed a resolution enacting a local sales tax holiday from October through March the past few years — but it will not occur again this fall. Find out more details here.
Arkansas Tax-Free Weekend
When is Arkansas Tax-Free Weekend?
Aug. 2 at 12:01 a.m. through Aug. 3, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
What Items Are Tax Free:
- Clothing and footwear under $100 per item
- Accessories (including cosmetics!) under $50 per item
- Select electronic devices (no price limit)
- Select school supplies (no price limit)
- School art supplies (no price limit)
- Diapers
Unlike some other states, diapers are included in Arkansas’ tax-free weekend, so they’re a smart item to stock up on. Also make note: The electronics category has no price restrictions, so Arkansas residents should definitely hone in on those big-ticket items like laptops and tablets.
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Some items are restricted, including costumes and clothing used for sports. Electronics must be “devices commonly used by a student in the course of study,” so no gaming consoles, folks. Another bit of fine print to be aware of: If you use a store coupon to reduce the item’s price below the threshold, congrats – it’s now tax free. Not so for manufacturers’ coupons – if you use one of those, it’s the original price tag that determines whether an item is tax free.
Connecticut Tax-Free Weekend
When is Connecticut Tax-Free Week?
Aug. 17 through Aug. 23, 2025
What Items Are Tax Free:
- Clothing and footwear under $100 per item
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Anything besides clothing and footwear, including some exceptions when it comes to athletic gear, jewelry, handbags and more. Also, no rebates! Even if the rebate would push the price down below $100, that doesn’t count, because you receive that rebate later. However, immediate discounts (like coupons or promo codes) can be used to push the cost of the item below $100, making it tax free.
Florida Tax-Free Weekend
When is the Florida Sales-Tax Holiday?
Back to School: Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, 2025
Hunting, Fishing, and Camping: Sept. 8 to Dec. 31
What Items Are Tax Free:
In recent years, Florida has held a Freedom Month sales tax holiday for the entirety of July. The state did away with this broad exemption for 2025, but is expanding its back-to-school sales tax holiday for all of August instead. It includes:
- Clothing, footwear and accessories ($100 or less per item)
- Most school supplies ($50 or less per item)
- Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles ($30 or less per item)
- Personal computers and related accessories ($1,500 or less per item)
Florida will also hold a sales tax holiday on hunting, fishing and camping equipment throughout the entire fall season.
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Anything outside of the categories listed above. Also, if you use layaway or a “buy now, pay later” service, you can still get your stuff tax free if you ship your order during the sales tax holiday or place an item on layaway during the sales tax holiday. Learn more about tax-free weeks in Florida.
Iowa Tax Free Weekend
When is Iowa Tax-Free Weekend?
Aug. 1 at 12:01 a.m. through Aug. 2, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
What Items Are Tax Free:
- Clothing or footwear selling for less than $100 (per item)
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Note that backpacks are still taxable, as they don’t count as clothing, along with several other exceptions. And an important note for BOGO shoppers: If you’re using a buy one, get one free deal, it’s the cost of both items that determines if you get them tax free. For example, if boots are buy one, get one free, and the first pair costs $110, you’ll pay tax – you can’t average the cost and insist each pair is just $55.
Maryland Tax-Free Week
When is Maryland Tax-Free Week?
Aug. 10 at 12:01 a.m. through Aug. 16, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
What Items Are Tax Free:
- Clothing and footwear priced $100 or less
- The first $40 of backpack or bookbag.
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Accessory items — except for backpacks — are not included, along with anything else outside of the categories listed above. Online shoppers should note that as long as your eligible item is paid for and the retailer accepts your order during the Maryland tax-free holiday, you’ll pay no taxes. So be wary if you’re shopping for something that’s out of stock which will force the order to be completed at a later date.
Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend
When is Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend?
Aug. 9 through Aug. 10, 2025
What Items Are Tax Free: The Massachusetts sales tax holiday is always a good one. Most retail goods for personal use priced at $2,500 or less are tax free. Yes, you read that right. Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend is really just that flexible.
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Items that are not eligible for tax-free savings include motor vehicles, motorboats, meals, telecommunication services, gas, steam, electricity, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, marijuana and marijuana products. Note: If you spend more than $2,500 per item, you’ll need to pay tax on the whole amount. But clothing is a (slight) exception: In the state of Massachusetts, the first $175 of an item of clothing is tax exempt anyway. So, if a piece of clothing you purchase during Massachusetts Tax-Free Weekend is more than $2,500, the first $175 is not taxable. Keep that in mind when shopping for that designer suit.
Mississippi Tax-Free Weekend
When is Mississippi Tax-Free Weekend?
July 11 at 12:01 a.m. through July 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
What Items Are Tax Free:
- Clothing and footwear costing less than $100 per item
- School supplies less than $100 per item
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Backpacks are not included. See the full list of tax-free and taxable items. In Mississippi, layaway does not qualify for the tax-free holiday. But here’s an advantage Mississippi has: Unlike in some other states, shipping costs for online orders are not included in the sales price, meaning they won’t bump up an item outside of tax-free status.
It should be noted that Mississippi will also hold a Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday for purchases of firearms, ammunition, hunting supplies and firearm safety equipment from August 29 through Aug. 31, 2025. Back-to-school items will not be tax-free on these dates.
Missouri Tax-Free Weekend
When is Missouri Tax-Free Weekend?
Aug. 1 at 12:01 a.m. through Aug. 3, 2025
What Items Are Tax Free:
- Any article of clothing or footwear with a taxable value of $100 or less
- School supplies not to exceed $50 per purchase
- Graphing calculators not to exceed $150
- Computer software with a taxable value of $350 or less
- Personal computers and peripheral devices not to exceed $1,500
What Items Are Not Tax Free: See a full list of exemptions here. Note that headphones are not included in Missouri’s tax-free weekend.
New Mexico Tax-Free Weekend
When is New Mexico Tax-Free Weekend?
July 25 at 12:01 a.m. through July 27, 2025
What Items Are Tax Free:
- Clothing or shoes priced at less than $100 per item
- Computers and tablets priced at up to $1,000
- Related computer hardware (i.e. monitor, speaker, keyboard, printer, etc.) up to $500 per item
- School supplies less than $30 per item
- Bookbags, backpacks, maps and globes less than $100 per item
- Handheld calculators less than $200 per item
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Note that retailers are not required to participate in New Mexico’s tax-free weekend, so ask before you shop. Check out a full list of exceptions.
Ohio Tax-Free Weekend
When is Ohio Tax-Free Weekend?
Aug. 1 at 12:01 a.m. through Aug. 14, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
What Items Are Tax Free:
- All tangible personal property that is $500 or less.
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Items not eligible include watercraft, motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vaping products and more.
Oklahoma Tax-Free Weekend
When is Oklahoma Tax-Free Weekend?
Aug. 1 at 12:01 a.m. through Aug. 3, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
What Items Are Tax Free:
- Clothing and footwear priced under $100.
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Accessories, athletic footwear and protective gear are excluded. As in most states, rainchecks are not valid.
South Carolina Tax-Free Weekend
When is South Carolina Tax-Free Weekend?
Aug. 1 through Aug. 3, 2025
What Items Are Tax Free:
- All clothing and footwear, including athletic shoes
- Computers and technology, including printers and software
- School supplies, including musical instruments, calculators and headphones
- Select bed and bath items, including sheets, pillows, towels and shower curtains
Bonus: The South Carolina Tax-Free weekend is unique in that it has no dollar limits! If the item is eligible, you get it tax-free regardless of the price.
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Items that fall outside of the list shown above, including cosmetics, eyewear, furniture, jewelry, wallets and watches. See a full list here.
Tennessee Tax-Free Weekend
When is Tennessee Tax-Free Weekend?
July 25 at 12:01 a.m. through July 27, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
What Items Are Tax-Free:
- Clothing and footwear priced $100 or less per item
- School and art supplies priced $100 or less per item
- Desktop computers, laptops and tablets priced $1,500 or less per item
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Jewelry, handbags, sports and recreational equipment, printer supplies, software and flash drives are not eligible for the sales tax holiday.
Texas Tax-Free Weekend
When is Texas Tax-Free Weekend?
Aug. 8 through Aug. 10, 2025
What Items Are Tax Free:
- Clothing and footwear (less than $100 per item)
- School supplies and backpacks (less than $100 per item)
- Diapers
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Items that fall outside the list shown above, including computers, textbooks, and accessories like handbags and jewelry. Check out the full lists of exempt and taxable clothing items and school supplies.
Virginia Tax-Free Weekend
When is Virginia Tax-Free Weekend?
Aug. 1 at 12:01 a.m. through Aug. 3, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
What Items Are Tax Free:
- Clothing and footwear priced $100 or less per item
- School supplies priced $20 or less per item
- Portable generators priced $1,000 or less per item
- Gas-powered chainsaws priced $350 or less per item
- Other specified hurricane preparedness items priced $60 or less per item
- Energy Star and WaterSense products priced $2,500 or less
What Items Are Not Tax Free: Items that fall outside the list shown above, including cosmetics, jewelry, sunglasses, handbags, and sport or recreational equipment. See the full list of what’s included and excluded here.
West Virginia Tax-Free Weekend
When is West Virginia Tax-Free Weekend?
Aug. 1 at 12 a.m. through Aug. 4, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
What Items Are Tax Free:
- Clothing and footwear priced $125 or less per item
- School supplies priced $50 or less per item
- School instructional material priced $20 or less per item
- Laptops and tablets priced $500 or less per item
- Sports equipment priced $150 or less per item
- Diapers
What Items Are Not Tax Free:
Items outside of the list above, including cosmetics, fashion accessories, handbags, and sports or recreational equipment. See all ineligible items here.
It should also be noted that store discounts and coupons that bring an item’s price below the threshold will qualify the item for tax exemption, but manufacturer’s coupons will not. Also, if you’re shopping online, the retailer’s local time will determine whether your sales tax will be waived. For example, if you’re in West Virginia shopping online, but the seller is located in California, you have to wait until it’s midnight in the Pacific time zone to get waived sales tax.
Is Tax-Free Weekend Online?
Yes! In all states offering sales tax holidays, you can shop online and still be exempt from paying state sales tax on eligible items during the tax-free period.
So how does a retailer know you’re shopping in the right state? It boils down to your delivery address. If you’re shipping to a state that is having a tax-free week or weekend and you place your order during that time, your sales tax will automatically disappear in your cart. We tried it during the Texas tax-free weekend, when we shopped it last year:
Keep the following rules in mind when shopping online during tax-free weekend:
- Complete your purchase (including payment) during your state’s tax-free weekend (some have fine print regarding shopping from sellers in different time zones, so you might miss out if you shop a couple hours too soon or too late).
- Make sure the retailer you shop online is actively doing business in your state during tax-free weekend.
- Make sure items you purchase qualify and meet the terms for tax-free status.
- Make sure you live in the participating state (this is usually determined by your shipping/billing address).
Does Amazon Participate in Tax-Free Weekend?
On the topic of online shopping, you might be wondering if Amazon allows you to shop tax-free during your state’s tax-free weekend. You’ll be pleased to know, it does! As noted above, you will need to shop during the dates of your state’s tax-free weekend and your delivery address will need to correspond with the state hosting a tax-free weekend.
Do I have to be a State Resident to Shop Tax-Free Weekend?
Nope! Nobody is checking your driver’s license or proof of residency at the register. If your state isn’t offering a tax-free holiday, but a nearby state is, you can fully take advantage. If you’re shopping online, though, you’ll need to have your order delivered within the state that’s offering the sales tax holiday.
States Not Hosting a Tax-Free Weekend 2025
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana (The state will offer a Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday Sept. 5 through Sept. 7, 2025, but it’s important to note that this tax-free weekend is only for firearms, ammunition and hunting supplies — not school supplies!)
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada (The state will hold a sales tax holiday for purchases made Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, 2025 — but it’s only for active Nevada National Guard members and qualifying relatives.)
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Where to Shop During Tax-Free Weekend
Since tax-free weekends are often referred to as back-to-school tax free weekends, we suggest shopping at all the retailers you would normally frequent for school supplies and new clothes for the school year. You can check out our guide to the best back-to-school sales to shop this year. Beyond Amazon, Target and Walmart, retailers like Kohl’s, Macy’s and Old Navy tend to host major sales and can be visited online or in person.
If you aren’t shopping for school supplies, depending on where you live, now might be the time to make a big computer purchase at Apple or Best Buy or get that coat you’ve been eyeing for fall at Nordstrom.
Tips for Making the Most Out of Tax-Free Weekend
Live in a state that’s offering a sales tax holiday? Follow these tips to shop smart and avoid disappointment at checkout:
1. Make a shopping list
At the end of the day, state sales taxes are about 4% to 10% (depending on whether local/municipal taxes are included in the state’s holiday). That translates into a $4 to $10 discount off $100. So don’t use tax-free weekend as an excuse to fill up your cart with things you don’t need.
2. Hone in on big-ticket items in some states
If your state includes pricey electronics and computers in its tax-free weekend, take full advantage. Even if your state sales tax amounts to just a 7% discount, that’s $70 off a $1,000 laptop.
3. Know which items qualify
Understanding which items qualify for the tax-free discount will eliminate a lot of headaches and unnecessary spending. For example, many states’ tax-free weekend sales take place around back-to-school time, so school supplies and school uniforms may qualify for tax-free status but a similar item, such as a backpack or laptop bag, may not.
4. Show up early
All the smart shoppers in your state know it’s tax-free weekend. So shop as early as you can to maximize selection. Most states don’t offer tax-free rainchecks, so if an item you want sells out, you’re out of luck.
5. Use coupons
Don’t get so caught up in the excitement of paying no sales tax that you forget to use coupons and promo codes. In some cases, these will also knock down the price of an item to within the tax-free threshold, in states that have one. Regardless, using a coupon and getting a tax-free “discount” lets you stack your savings. These stores offered the best-back-to-school sales last year. And don’t forget to install the RetailMeNot Browser Extension, which finds and automatically applies online promo codes for you.
6. Shop tax-free weekend online
Don’t let crowds and the fuss of in-store shopping stop you from saving. All states participating in tax-free weekend 2025 will allow you to shop online for qualifying items.
7. Keep shipping costs in mind
Shipping costs do complicate matters. In some states, shipping costs don’t factor into the item’s cost, meaning you don’t have to worry about shipping fees bumping your item above the tax-free threshold. In some states, the opposite is true and you do have to worry about shipping costs messing with the tax-free status of your item. And, if you have both eligible and ineligible items in your online shopping cart, some states’ laws require the retailer to divvy up the shipping costs among all the items and … well … we’re confused, too. Know your state’s policy before you shop and, if things get complicated, consider placing an order of eligible items only.
8. Take advantage of cash-back shopping
Our cash-back offers are available from thousands of retailers that you want to shop for back to school. Just click through on one of our cash back offers, shop as you normally would and receive a percentage of what you spent back in your RetailMeNot account. (Create your account for free, if you haven’t already!) Then, you can cash out via Venmo or PayPal to spend that cash anywhere you shop. Think of cash back as savings on top of savings. Not only will you get your state’s sales tax waived, you’ll get a cash-back bounty to spend on more school supplies or anything else you want. And, if you don’t live in a state that offers a tax-free weekend, cash back is a flexible way to save on school supplies and other essentials this back-to-school season.
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