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Shoppers in 11 states can pick up clothes and school supplies tax-free this weekend.
Back-to-school sales tax holidays kick off Friday in eight states – Iowa, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia – joining Florida, whose 10-day tax holiday started July 31. Arkansas’ two-tax holiday starts Saturday, and Maryland’s tax-free week begins Sunday.
The tax savings are open to all even those without children, but criteria vary by state. Online shopping also is tax-free during the holidays.
Connecticut and Massachusetts will offer tax breaks later in August. Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, West Virginia already held tax holidays this summer.
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The back-to-school shopping season, the second-biggest period for retailers, behind the holidays, usually kicks off in mid-July and peaks in mid-August. This year, consumers are starting earlier than in past years amid possible shortages of core items like backpacks and shoes.
Most of the states with back-to-school sales tax holidays offer tax-free shopping in August. (Photo: Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY)
In some states, tax breaks are offered year-round. According to the Tax Foundation, Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon don’t have a sales tax.
Most clothing also is tax-free year-round in some states, including Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
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Tax-free shopping 2021
Not every town and county will participate in the sales tax holidays, nor will every item be tax-free. Online shopping also is exempt from tax during the days. For some states, local taxes still apply.
Arkansas sales tax holiday
Dates: Aug. 7-8
What’s tax-free:
Clothing and footwear: Less than $100Clothing accessories or equipment: Less than $50Select school supplies, school art supplies and instructional materials: No limitElectronic items such as cell phones, laptops and tablets will qualify as sales tax-exempt for the first time: No limit
Full list: dfa.arkansas.gov
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Florida tax free holiday
Dates: July 31-Aug. 9
What’s tax-free:
Clothing, footwear and accessories: $60 or lessSchool supplies: $15 or lessComputers and accessories: $1,000 or less per item
Full list: floridarevenue.com/backtoschool
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Iowa tax free weekend
Dates: Aug. 6-7
What’s tax-free: Clothing and footwear, less than $100
Full list: tax.iowa.gov/iowas-annual-sales-tax-holiday
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Not every item is tax free during sales tax holidays. (Photo: Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY)
Maryland tax free week
Dates: Aug. 8-14
What’s tax-free:
Clothing and footwear: $100 or lessBackpacks: The first $40 is tax-exempt
Full list: marylandtaxes.gov
Missouri back to school sales tax holiday
Dates: Aug. 6-8
What’s tax-free:
Clothing: Up to $100School supplies: Not to exceed $50 per purchasePersonal computers: Up to $1,500Computer software: Up to $350Graphing calculators: Up to $150
Full list: dor.mo.gov
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New Mexico tax free holiday
Dates: Aug. 6-8
What’s tax-free:
Clothing and footwear: Less than $100Computers: Under $1,000Computer-related items: Under $500School supplies: Less than $30
Full list: tax.newmexico.gov
Ohio tax free weekend
Dates: Aug. 6-8
What’s tax-free:
Clothing: $75 or lessSchool supplies and instructional materials: $20 or less
Full list: tax.ohio.gov
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A number of school supplies can be purchased tax-free this weekend in Texas. (Photo: Jay Janner/American-Statesman file)
Oklahoma tax free weekend
Dates: Aug. 6-8
What’s tax-free: Clothing and footwear, less than $100
Full list: oklahoma.gov
South Carolina tax free holiday
Dates: Aug. 6-8
What’s tax-free:
Clothing: No limit, diapers also are included and athletic and uniforms for music and scouts are tax-exemptSchool supplies: No limit, includes backpacks and art supplies for schools. Office supplies will still be taxed.Computers, computer parts and accessories, printers, ink: No limit BUTcomputers used in a business are still taxed.Books and musical instruments: Tax-free if “used for school assignments.”Bed and bath: No limit, includes bedding, pillows and towels.
Full list: dor.sc.gov/taxfreeweekend
Sales tax holidays, sometimes called tax-free weekends, offer families preparing for the new school year a chance to save. (Photo: Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY)
Texas tax free weekend 2021
Dates: Aug. 6-8
What’s tax-free:
Clothing and footwear: Less than $100School supplies and backpacks: Less than $100
Full list: comptroller.texas.gov
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Virginia tax free days
Dates: Aug. 6-8
What’s tax-free:
Clothing and footwear: $100 or lessSchool supplies: $20 or lessHurricane and emergency preparedness products: Portable generators up to $1,000; gas-powered chainsaws $350 or less; other specified hurricane preparedness items, $60 or less per item. Energy Star and WaterSense products: $2,500 or less per item
Full list: tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday
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Upcoming sales tax holidays
Connecticut and Massachusetts start their tax holidays in mid-August.
Connecticut tax free week
Dates: Aug. 15-21
What’s tax-free: Clothing and footwear, less than $100
Full list: portal.ct.gov/DRS
Massachusetts sales tax holiday
Dates: Aug. 14-15
What’s tax-free: Almost everything that costs up to $2,500. In Massachusetts, there is no sales tax on clothes less than $175 year-round.
More information: mass.gov
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Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko. For shopping news, tips and deals, join us on our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group.
