Sales tax holidays let you buy clothing, school supplies, electronics, and other items without paying state (and sometimes local) sales tax. Most run for a single weekend each summer. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown for 2026.
What Is a Sales Tax Holiday?
A sales tax holiday is a legislatively approved temporary suspension of sales tax on specific purchases. They are most common in the South and Southeast US, where state legislatures use them to provide back-to-school relief for families.
Common holiday types:
- Back-to-school (clothing, supplies, computers)
- Energy Star appliances (Florida, Mississippi)
- Hurricane preparedness (Alabama, Florida, Virginia)
- Firearms and ammunition (Mississippi, West Virginia)
- Tools and equipment (Louisiana)
2026 Sales Tax Holiday Calendar (Back-to-School)
Dates are based on historical schedules; verify with your state’s Department of Revenue before shopping.
| State | Typical Dates | Tax Rate | What Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 3rd Fri–Sun in July | 4% state | Clothing ≤$100, computers ≤$750, school supplies ≤$50 |
| Arkansas | 1st Sat–Sun in August | 6.5% | Clothing ≤$100, school supplies |
| Florida | Late July–early August (10 days) | 6% | Clothing ≤$100, school supplies ≤$50, computers ≤$1,500 |
| Iowa | 1st Fri–Sat of August | 6% | Clothing ≤$100 |
| Maryland | 2nd Sun–Sat of August | 6% | Clothing ≤$100 |
| Mississippi | Last Fri–Sat of July | 7% | Clothing ≤$100, footwear ≤$100 |
| Missouri | 1st Fri–Sun of August | 4.225% | Clothing ≤$100, computers ≤$1,500, school supplies ≤$50 |
| New Mexico | 1st Fri–Sun of August | 5% | Clothing ≤$100, computers ≤$1,000, school supplies ≤$30 |
| Ohio | 1st Fri–Sun of August | 5.75% | Clothing ≤$75, school supplies ≤$20, school instructional materials ≤$20 |
| Oklahoma | 1st Fri–Sun of August | 4.5% | Clothing ≤$100 |
| South Carolina | 1st Fri–Sun of August | 6% | Most clothing, school supplies, and computers (no price cap) |
| Tennessee | Late July (3 days) | 7% | Clothing ≤$100, computers ≤$1,500, school supplies ≤$100 |
| Texas | 3rd Fri–Sun of August | 6.25% | Clothing ≤$100, school supplies ≤$100, backpacks ≤$100 |
| Virginia | 1st Fri–Sun of August | 5.3% | Clothing ≤$100, school supplies ≤$20, Energy Star appliances ≤$2,500 |
| West Virginia | Varies | 6% | Clothing ≤$125, school supplies ≤$50, sports equipment ≤$150 |
Florida’s Extended Back-to-School Holiday
Florida typically offers the longest back-to-school tax-free window — approximately 10 days in late July to early August. Florida’s 2026 holiday is expected to cover:
- Clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item
- School supplies priced at $50 or less per item
- Personal computers and accessories priced at $1,500 or less (limit one per household)
Florida residents making large school supply runs or buying laptops should prioritize this window. At 6% state tax, a $1,000 laptop saves $60; a family spending $500 on school supplies and clothing saves $30.
Texas Tax-Free Weekend
Texas holds its back-to-school sales tax holiday on the third Friday–Sunday of August. In 2026, this falls in mid-August.
Texas covers:
- Clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item (applies per item, not total purchase)
- School supplies — specific qualifying list published by the Texas Comptroller
- Backpacks priced at $100 or less
Texas has no income tax, so the sales tax holiday is one of the few tax-relief mechanisms available to Texans. At 6.25% state tax (plus up to 2% local), a $100 pair of shoes saves $6.25–$8.25.
What Doesn’t Qualify
Even during tax-free weekends, most states exclude:
- Items above the price threshold (a $150 jacket in a state with a $100 limit still owes tax on the full amount in most states)
- Jewelry, handbags, and accessories
- Sports equipment (in most states)
- Electronics not specifically listed
- Layaway plans where full payment hasn’t been received during the holiday
Online Shopping During Tax Holidays
Online purchases qualify in most states if:
- The order is completed (not just started) during the holiday window
- The item meets the eligibility criteria for the state holiday
- The retailer is required to collect tax in that state (most major retailers: yes)
This means you can shop Amazon, Target.com, and Walmart.com during your state’s tax holiday and receive the same tax exemption as in-store shopping.
Is It Worth Shopping During a Tax Holiday?
Yes, if:
- You have genuine back-to-school purchases to make that week anyway
- Your state’s tax rate is 6%+ (making savings meaningful on larger purchases)
- You’re buying computers or higher-ticket qualifying items
Not worth disrupting plans for:
- Buying items you don’t need just to “save” sales tax — spending $100 extra to save $6 in tax is not a win
- Small purchases where tax savings are minimal (a $20 notepad saves $1.20 in a 6% state)
The best use of a tax holiday is buying what you were already going to buy — just timing the purchase to fall within the tax-free window.
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