How to save money on back-to-school preparation: When and in which states are tax-free days for school supplies available?

Getting ready for school isn't cheap. So before you head to the store, it's worth checking whether your state offers tax-free holidays in 2026. Learn where and when the rules for selling back-to-school items without paying sales tax apply. Macaronikid.

Backpacks, shoes, lunch boxes, stationery, calculators, headphones, and clothes that children somehow managed to outgrow overnight—it's easy to spend hundreds of dollars on all of this before the first bell even rings.

Some states offer tax-free shopping for school supplies during certain periods. In some states, this is just a weekend, while in others, it's an entire week or even a whole month, during which you can buy school supplies at significantly lower prices.

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Each state has its own dates, list of items, and price restrictions. Important note: This publication verified this list with data from official state tax departments, but tax holiday dates, list of items, and price restrictions are subject to change. Before shopping, we recommend checking the official website of your state's tax or financial department for up-to-date information.

States with tax-free holidays on back-to-school supplies in 2026

Alabama
July 17-19
Stock up on clothes, books, and computers—Alabama has a sale covering all three categories.
More: Alabama Department of Revenue

Арканзас
1-2 August
In addition to basic goods, Arkansas is adding art supplies and some electronics to the list.
More: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration

Connecticut
16-22 August
A whole week to buy clothes, shoes and backpacks without additional tax.
More: Connecticut Department of Revenue Services

Florida
July 20–August 20
Florida gets a marathon prize: a whole month of tax-free shopping.
More: Florida Department of Revenue

Illinois
7-16 August
State tax reduction (not completely waived!) on appropriate clothing and school supplies.
More: Illinois Department of Revenue

Iowa
7-8 August
Only two days, but they cover the basics - clothes and shoes.
More: Iowa Department of Revenue

Maryland
9-15 August
Clothes, shoes, and backpacks—everything can be purchased tax-free for a week.
More: Comptroller of Maryland

Massachusetts
8-9 August
Statewide tax holidays, and not just on school supplies.
More: Massachusetts Department of Revenue

Mississippi
July 10-12
Suitable clothing, footwear and school supplies may be tax-free.
More: Mississippi Department of Revenue

Missouri
7-9 August
The list in Missouri is one of the most extensive: clothing, school supplies, computers and calculators.
More: Missouri Department of Revenue

New Mexico
July 31–August 2
Clothing, school supplies, computers and related equipment may be eligible for the promotion.
More: New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department

Ohio
7-9 August
Ohio keeps it simple: clothing, school supplies, and educational materials are tax-free on weekends.
More: Ohio Department of Taxation

Oklahoma
7-9 August
Suitable clothing and footwear may be tax-free.
More: Oklahoma Tax Commission

Южная Каролина
7-9 August
Clothing, school supplies, computers and much more.
More: South Carolina Department of Revenue

Tennessee
July 31–August 2
Clothing, school supplies, art materials and computers.
More: Tennessee Department of Revenue

Texas
7-9 August
Backpacks, shoes, clothes, school supplies—Texas is covering the entire student list this weekend.
More: Texas Comptroller

Virginia
7-9 August
Clothing, school supplies and selected emergency supplies.
More: Virginia Tax

West Virginia
July 31 – August 3
West Virginia's list is broader than most, adding computers and sports equipment to the usual clothing and school supplies.
More: West Virginia State Tax Department

Why is my state not on the list?

If your state isn't on the list, you'll pay tax on all back-to-school purchases. Some states offer year-round tax exemptions instead of limited weekends.

Pennsylvania: Most everyday clothing and footwear are tax-exempt year-round, but school supplies and many other items are taxable.

New Jersey: Most clothing and footwear are tax-exempt year-round. School supplies and some other items may be subject to tax.

Minnesota: Most clothing is tax-exempt all year round, although accessories, sporting equipment and some specialty items are taxable.

Vermont: Most clothing is tax-exempt all year round.

Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon: These states do not have a state sales tax, so separate tax holidays are not required (local taxes may apply in some areas of Alaska).

Because tax rules can change and exemptions vary by product, it's always a good idea to check your state's tax department's website before making large purchases.

What is usually included in the promotion?

Each state has its own rules, but most often the list includes:

• Apparel
• Footwear
• Backpacks
• School supplies
• Art materials
• Computers and tablets
• Computer accessories
• Calculators
• Educational materials

Many states, among other things, set price limits on each item, so be sure to check the rules before purchasing.

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Some tips before going shopping

• Check the dates in your state—many promotions only last one weekend.
• Check price limits. An item that's just a few dollars over the limit may not be suitable.
• Online purchases are often included in the promotion, but orders must usually be placed during the holiday period.
• First, make a list of what you need. Tax breaks are only beneficial when you buy what you really need.

If your state has a back-to-school tax holiday in 2026, it's a good idea to plan your purchases around those dates. A little planning can save you a significant amount of money.

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