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.
Sales tax rates vary significantly by state — see best and worst states for taxes 2026 for a full ranking of state tax burdens including sales tax. The broader income tax picture by state is at state income tax rates by state 2026. Federal income tax is entirely separate from state and local sales taxes — see 2026 federal income tax brackets for the federal rate structure.
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