What to Know About Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekends in 2026
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Back-to-school shopping just got a whole lot more affordable! Whether you’re in the market for new backpacks, school clothes, art supplies, or even computers, timing your purchases around your state’s tax-free weekend can help you stretch your budget a little further. During these limited-time events, qualifying back-to-school supplies are totally exempt from sales tax, making tax-free weekends one of the easiest ways to save before the first day of school.
Curious if your state is participating? We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about back-to-school tax-free weekends in 2026, including which states are participating, when the tax holidays take place, and which items qualify. We’ll also answer common questions about tax-free weekends and share a few smart back-to-school tips to help you maximize your savings. Ready to hit the back-to-school sales? This guide will help you make every dollar count.
What Is a Tax-Free Weekend?
A back-to-school tax-free weekend, or sales tax holiday, is a specific set of dates where certain qualifying school supplies or goods defined by the individual state are exempt from state sales tax. Items will vary state-by-state and may include or exclude a variety of different goods.
When Are Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekends 2026?
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 state sales tax exemptions on 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.
What’s usually on sale for tax-free weekends?
Tax-free weekends are designed to help families save money on back-to-school shopping, so the biggest savings are usually on items like clothing, shoes, school supplies, backpacks, and computers or other electronics. However, the qualifying items vary from state to state—some include extras like books, learning materials, printers, software, or computer accessories, while others have stricter limits on the types of items covered or the maximum price per item. Be sure to double-check the details in your area before shopping.
Which states in the US have no sales tax?
There are currently five states with no statewide sales tax:
- Alaska
- Delaware
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
Collectively known as the “NOMAD” states, these states also don’t collect local sales tax, with the exception of Alaska.
2026 Tax-Free Weekends By State
| State | Dates | Items Included & Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | July 17 – 19 | Clothing: Up to $156 per item Computers: Up to $1,173 School supplies: Up to $78 Books/textbooks: Up to $47 per book |
| Arkansas | August 1 – 2 | Clothing: Up to $100 per item School supplies Art supplies Instructional supplies Electronic devices |
| Connecticut | August 16 – 22 | Clothing, footwear, backpacks, and nonelectronic school supplies: Up to $300 per item |
| Florida | July 20 – August 20 | Clothing, footwear, and accessories: $100 or less per item School supplies: $50 or less per item Learning aids: $30 or less Personal computers and related accessories: $1,500 or less per item |
| Iowa | August 7 – 8 | Clothing and footwear: Up to $100 per item |
| Maryland | August 9 – 15 | Clothing and footwear: Up to $100 per item Backpacks and bookbags: First $40 exempt |
| Massachusetts | August 8 – 9 | Tangible personal property: Up to $2,500 per item |
| Missouri | August 7 – 9 | Clothing: Up to $100 per item School supplies: Up to $50 Computers: Up to $1,500 |
| New Mexico | July 31 – August 2 | School supplies: Up to $30 Clothing and shoes: Up to $100 per item Computers: Up to $1,000 Computer equipment: Up to $500 |
| Ohio | August 7- 9 | Clothing: Up to $75 School supplies: Up to $20 Instructional materials: Up to $20 |
| Oklahoma | August 7 – 9 | Clothing and footwear: Up to $100 per item |
| South Carolina | August 7 – 9 | Clothing, clothing accessories, and footwear School supplies Computers, printers, printer supplies, and computer software Certain bed and bath items |
| Tennessee | July 31 – August 2 | Clothing: Up to $100 per item School supplies: Up to $100 per item Computers: Up to $1,500 |
| Texas | August 7 – 9 | Clothing, footwear, backpacks, and school supplies: Up to $100 per item |
| Virginia | August 7 – 9 | Clothing and footwear: Up to $100 per item School supplies: Up to $20 per item |
| West Virginia | July 31 – August 3 | Clothing: Up to $125 per item Computers: Up to $500 School instructional materials: Up to $20 School supplies: Up to $50 Sports equipment: Up to $150 |
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Bree Pulver O'Hagan
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).
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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.
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