What to Know About Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekends in 2025
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From pencils and notebooks to backpacks, clothes, and even laptops, buying back-to-school supplies can add up fast. If you’re looking for an easy way to save this school year, back-to-school tax-free weekends are a total game-changer! These special weekends let you skip the sales tax on must-have items for the school year ahead, helping you save potentially hundreds of dollars on supplies, clothing, tech, and more. And with all the items you’re little ones need to buy new each year, it’s a smart, stress-free way to save where you can.
It’s one of the best back-to-school tips out there, especially if you’re trying to stretch your budget while still scoring the best back-to-school sales and deals. During these weekends (usually in late July or August), certain states waive sales tax on specific categories like school supplies, clothing, backpacks, and sometimes electronics. The catch? Each state sets its own rules (and price caps), so you’ll want to double-check yours. Luckily, we put together a handy list of each participating state, their tax-free weekend dates, and the items and maximum costs included during the event. Keep reading for everything you need to know about back-to-school tax-free weekends in 2025, and how you can make the most of this once-a-year chance to save big!
What Is a Tax-Free Weekend?
A back-to-school tax-free weekend is a specific set of dates where certain qualifying school supplies or goods defined by the individual state are exempt from taxes. Items will vary state-by-state and may include or exclude a variety of different goods.
When Are Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekends 2025?
Each state has a different set of dates for their back-to-school tax-free weekend, but it will usually fall on a weekend in July or August prior to the start of the school year.
What Happens During Tax-Free Days?
Tax-free days may include tax-exempt items relevant to school or education. This can include things like backpacks, writing supplies, notebooks, binders, and more. However, these items will vary state-by-state. Each state will have a defined set of goods that are included in the tax exemption. Likewise, each state will also have a defined set of items that are not included in the tax exemption.
2025 Tax-Free Weekends By State
| State | Dates | Items Included & Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | July 18 – 20 | clothing $100 computers $750 school supplies $50 books $30 per item |
| Arkansas | August 2 – 3 | clothing and footwear $100 per item clothing accessories and equipment $50 school supplies school art supplies school instructional supplies electronic devices |
| Connecticut | August 16 – 22 | clothing and footwear $300 |
| Florida | August 1 – 31 | learning aids $30 school supplies $50 clothing $100 computers $1,500 |
| Iowa | August 1 – 2 | clothing and footwear $100 |
| Maryland | August 10 – 16 | clothing and footwear $100 backpack or bookbag first $40 of the purchase |
| Massachusetts | August 9 – 10 | tangible personal property $2,500 |
| Mississippi | July 11 – 13 | clothing or footwear $100 school supplies $100 |
| Missouri | August 1 – 3 | school supplies $50 clothing $100 computers & supplies $3,500 |
| New Mexico | July 25 – 27 | school supplies $30 clothing and shoes $100 per item computers $1,000 computer equipment $500 |
| Ohio | August 1 – 14 | all tangible personal property $500 |
| Oklahoma | August 1 – 3 | clothing and footwear $100 |
| South Carolina | August 1 – 3 | clothing clothing accessories footwear school supplies computers, printers, printer supplies, and software |
| Tennessee | July 25 – 27 | clothing school supplies computers |
| Texas | August 8 – 10 | school supplies clothing and shoes backpacks |
| Virginia | August 1 – 3 | school supplies clothing footwear hurricane & emergency preparedness items Energy Star/WaterSense products |
| West Virginia | August 1 – 4 | clothing $125 computers $500 school instruction material $20 school supplies $50 sports equipment $150 |
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Bree Pulver
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
Tierney McAfee
Tierney McAfee is a writer and editor with a passion for all things home, lifestyle, and entertaining. Her work has been featured in People, Country Living, The Pioneer Woman, The Spruce, and more, covering everything from interior design and holiday decor to DIY projects and the best products for home and lifestyle. Always in search of the next big trend or hidden gem, Tierney is all about transforming inspiration into style. When she’s not busy writing, she’s testing out new recipes, hunting for vintage treasures, or plotting her next outfit.
