2026 Sales Tax Holidays: Where Shoppers Can Save This Back-to-School Season
As families prepare for the new school year, many states are once again offering sales tax holidays—limited-time periods when shoppers can purchase certain items without paying state sales tax.
While these tax-free events can lead to meaningful savings, the rules vary widely by state. Some holidays last only a weekend, while others span several weeks. Eligible items also differ, with some states exempting only clothing and school supplies while others include computers, emergency preparedness equipment, or energy-efficient appliances. Source: Sales Tax Institute.
What Is a Sales Tax Holiday?
A sales tax holiday is a designated period during which states temporarily suspend sales tax on specific purchases. Most are timed around the back-to-school shopping season, although some states also hold tax holidays for hurricane preparedness, hunting supplies, or energy-efficient products. Source: Sales Tax Institute.
Which States Are Participating?
Where Are Back-to-School Sales Tax Holidays Happening?
The following states are offering statewide back-to-school sales tax holidays or similar tax relief programs during the 2026 shopping season. Keep in mind that dates, eligible items, and price limits vary by state.
Arkansas (Aug. 1–2): Clothing, school supplies, instructional materials, and many electronics.
Connecticut (Aug. 16–22) :Clothing, footwear, backpacks, and qualifying school supplies under applicable limits.
Florida (July 20–Aug. 20): Clothing, school supplies, learning aids, and computers meeting price thresholds.
Illinois (Aug. 7–16): Reduced state sales tax rate on qualifying clothing, footwear, and school supplies.
Iowa (Aug. 7–8): Clothing and footwear under $100 per item.
Maryland (Aug. 9–15):Clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less.
Massachusetts (Aug. 8–9): Most retail items priced up to $2,500 qualify, with certain exclusions.
Missouri (Aug. 7–9):Clothing, school supplies, computers, software, and calculators within price limits.
New Mexico (July 31–Aug. 2): Clothing, school supplies, computers, backpacks, calculators, and related technology.
Ohio (Aug. 7–9):Qualifying clothing, school supplies, and instructional materials.
Oklahoma (Aug. 7–9): Clothing and footwear under $100 per item.
South Carolina (Aug. 7–9): Clothing, school supplies, computers, printers, software, and select household items.
Tennessee (July 31–Aug. 2) :Clothing, school supplies, and qualifying computers.
Texas (Aug. 7–9): Clothing, footwear, backpacks, and most school supplies under $100 per item.
Virginia (Aug. 7–9): Clothing, school supplies, emergency preparedness items, and qualifying Energy Star products.
West Virginia (July 31–Aug. 3): Clothing, school supplies, laptops, tablets, and qualifying sports equipment.
While back-to-school shopping receives the most attention, it's not the only type of sales tax holiday taking place throughout the year. Several states also offer temporary tax exemptions on items such as hurricane and emergency preparedness supplies, Energy Star® appliances, hunting and fishing equipment, firearms and ammunition, severe weather preparedness products, and even certain purchases made by members of the National Guard.
These holidays are designed to encourage preparedness, support conservation efforts, or promote specific industries, and the qualifying items and dates vary widely by state. Before making a major purchase, it's worth checking whether your state offers a tax holiday that could help you save. Source: Sales Tax Institute; Federation of Tax Administrators.
Read the Fine Print
One of the biggest misconceptions about sales tax holidays is that everything is tax-free.
In reality, each state establishes its own eligibility rules. Many programs include price limits, exclude luxury goods or accessories, or apply only to certain categories of merchandise. Some states also have different rules for online purchases, layaway transactions, coupons, and shipping charges. Source: Sales Tax Institute; Federation of Tax Administrators.
Are the Savings Worth It?
For families already planning back-to-school shopping, timing purchases to coincide with a sales tax holiday can reduce costs. With back-to-school expenses continuing to rise, even modest tax savings can make a difference, especially when purchasing clothing, backpacks, school supplies, or computers that qualify under your state's rules.
However, shoppers shouldn't buy items simply because they're temporarily tax-free. The greatest benefit comes from purchasing items you were already planning to buy while understanding your state's specific requirements.
Sales tax holidays can provide valuable savings, but they aren't one-size-fits-all. Before heading to the store, or placing an online order, check your state's rules to confirm the dates, eligible items, and any purchase limits that apply.
If you own a retail business, remember that sales tax holidays also create additional compliance responsibilities. Your tax professional can help ensure you're applying your state's rules correctly and collecting the appropriate amount of sales tax throughout the year.
More About Us
Get to Know Prestige Accounting Services Group
Offices in Flemington, NJ, and Califon, NJ
Our Mission: At Prestige Accounting Services Group, we are on a mission to redefine the tax experience for individuals and small businesses. With a focus on personalized service, strategic planning, and expert guidance, we aim to empower our clients to succeed financially with confidence and ease.
Expertise in Action: With a wealth of experience and a team of dedicated professionals, we specialize in individual and small business tax preparation. While we excel in all areas of taxation, our passion lies in serving the unique needs of small business owners in New Jersey. We understand that small business taxation requires specialized knowledge and attention to detail, which is why we go above and beyond to ensure our clients receive the guidance and support they deserve.
Tailored Solutions for Every Client: Whether you're a high-net-worth individual seeking comprehensive tax planning or a small business owner in need of accounting and bookkeeping assistance, we have the expertise to meet your needs. Our team takes the time to understand your specific situation and develop customized solutions that align with your goals and objectives.
Why Choose Us?: What sets us apart from other New Jersey tax firms is our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of taxation. We don't just prepare tax returns; we provide strategic insights, proactive planning, and actionable advice to help our clients achieve their financial goals. With a team of two CPAs, an EA, and an ERO, we have the expertise and resources to deliver exceptional service and results.
Your Success is Our Priority: At Prestige Accounting Services Group, we measure our success by the success of our clients. We are dedicated to building long-lasting relationships, providing unparalleled service, and helping our clients thrive in today's ever-changing tax landscape.
We can't wait for you to experience the Prestige Accounting Services Group difference.
Tax & Small Business Updates
Get the latest in tax and small business updates and issues that affect your finances and growth prospects.