16 states offer tax-free weekends to help with school shopping. Is yours one of them?
For 20 years, bargain-hunting parents in South Carolina have saved money on clothing, school supplies and computers right before sending their kids back to the classroom. That’s because the Palmetto State is one of 16 in the country that holds annual back-to-school sales tax “holidays.” Typically held on a weekend in August, the state sales tax is waived on certain school-related items.
The promotion is a boon for people who live in states with a high combined state and local sales tax. According to the Tax Foundation, Tennessee (9.53%), Arkansas (9.47%) and Alabama (9.22%) are at the top of the list.
In South Carolina, where the state and local sales tax can reach a total of 7.46% , consumers in past years have saved between $2 million and $3 million over the sales tax-free weekend, according to the state’s tax-free holiday website.
Five states — Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon — don’t need a holiday. There is no sales tax in these states, according to Kiplinger. That’s a perk for residents and those who live near their borders.
Here is a rundown of states with sales tax holiday events this summer. Note that some counties or municipalities may not participate. Check the sales’ start and end times; some events begin at 12:01 a.m. on the first day and end at midnight on the last. Visit your state’s tax website for updates before you shop.
ALABAMA
July 17-19
Clothing and footwear: $100 or less per article
Computers, software (games are excluded) and computer supplies: single purchase with a price of $750 or less
School supplies: $50 or less per item
Books: $30 or less per book
ARKANSAS
Aug. 1-2
Clothing and footwear: less than $100 per item
Accessories: less than $50 per item
School supplies, school art supplies and instructional materials: no limit — must be an item used for studying
CONNECTICUT
Aug. 16-22
Clothing and footwear: less than $100 per item
FLORIDA
Aug. 7-9
Clothing, footwear and certain accessories: $60 or less per item
School supplies: $15 or less per item
Computers and accessories: the first $1,000 of the sale price for personal computers and certain
computer-related accessories
IOWA
Aug. 7-8
Clothing and footwear: less than $100 per item
MARYLAND
Aug. 9-15
Clothing and footwear: $100 or less per item
Backpacks: first $40 of the cost
MASSACHUSETTS
(Not scheduled)
Retail items for personal use: up to $2,500 per item
MISSISSIPPI
July 31 to Aug. 1
Clothing, footwear and school supplies: less than $100 per item
MISSOURI
Aug. 7-9
Clothing: $100 or less per item
School supplies: less than $50 per item
Computer software: $350 or less per item
Personal computers and peripheral devices: less than $3,500
NEW MEXICO
Aug. 7-9
Clothing, footwear and accessories: less than $100 per unit
Computers: up to $1,000
Computer-related items: up to $500
School supplies: less than $30 per item
OHIO
Aug. 7-9
Clothing: $75 or less per item
School supplies and instructional materials: $20 or less per item
OKLAHOMA
Aug. 7-9
Clothing and footwear: less than $100 per item
SOUTH CAROLINA
Aug. 7-9
There are no limits for:
Clothing (including custom-made clothes), clothing accessories and footwear
School supplies used for school assignments
Computers, computer software, printers and printer supplies (whether purchased or leased)
Certain bed and bath supplies
TENNESSEE
July 31 to Aug. 2
Clothing and footwear: $100 or less per item
School supplies and school art supplies: $100 or less
Computers: $1,500 or less
TEXAS
Aug. 7-9
Clothing, footwear, backpacks and school supplies: less than $100
VIRGINIA
Aug. 7-9
Clothing and footwear: $100 or less per item
School supplies: $20 or less per item
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Back to school shopping: Tax-free weekends by state
