Tax-Free Weekends Are Approaching, Perfect for Back-to-School Shopping

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As families gear up for the back-to-school season, the excitement of shopping can quickly turn into a financial burden. From trendy outfits to essential school supplies, the costs can add up significantly, especially for those with multiple kids. Fortunately, tax-free weekends are right around the corner in various states, making it an excellent opportunity for savvy shoppers to save.

Tax-free weekends, or sales tax holidays, typically cover clothing, school supplies, and sometimes even electronics. Depending on the state, certain limits apply—most clothing and school supplies need to be under $100, while larger items like computers can often be priced up to $750 without incurring tax. In Massachusetts, for instance, most retail purchases qualify if they total under $2,500, regardless of whether they are school-related.

What’s even better? These tax holidays extend to online shopping. Smart shoppers can combine online sales with tax-free benefits, making the most of their back-to-school budgets. Just ensure that your preferred online retailers participate; major stores like Wal-Mart, Target, and Amazon usually do, but smaller shops may not. Keep in mind that the tax exemption applies only to items categorized as back-to-school, not to bulk purchases.

States Hosting Tax-Free Weekends

So, which states are hosting tax-free weekends ahead of the school year? Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia will all have designated weekends for tax-free shopping throughout August, many starting in the first weekend. It’s essential to review your state’s specific rules, as some allow discounts on layaway items while others may have restrictions. Additionally, states like Texas and Oklahoma include baby items in their tax-free weekends, while Missouri allows counties to decide whether to participate.

For those in Florida, the sales tax holiday for school supplies is already in effect, running from July 25 through the first weekend of August. Tennessee’s tax-free weekend is set for the last weekend of July. Alabama has already concluded its sales tax holiday, which took place from July 15-17.

For comprehensive details about each state’s tax holidays, check out this resource from the Federation of Tax Administrators. And if you’re fortunate enough to reside in Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, or Oregon, you can enjoy shopping without ever worrying about sales tax.

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Summary

Tax-free weekends are an excellent opportunity for families to save on back-to-school shopping. Various states offer tax holidays in August, covering items like clothing and school supplies. Always check local rules for specifics, and make the most of online shopping during these sales.