Advertisement
Singapore markets closed
  • Straits Times Index

    3,224.01
    -27.70 (-0.85%)
     
  • Nikkei

    40,422.72
    +254.65 (+0.63%)
     
  • Hang Seng

    16,541.42
    +148.58 (+0.91%)
     
  • FTSE 100

    7,952.62
    +20.64 (+0.26%)
     
  • Bitcoin USD

    70,264.36
    +557.70 (+0.80%)
     
  • CMC Crypto 200

    885.54
    0.00 (0.00%)
     
  • S&P 500

    5,254.35
    +5.86 (+0.11%)
     
  • Dow

    39,807.37
    +47.29 (+0.12%)
     
  • Nasdaq

    16,379.46
    -20.06 (-0.12%)
     
  • Gold

    2,254.80
    +16.40 (+0.73%)
     
  • Crude Oil

    83.11
    -0.06 (-0.07%)
     
  • 10-Yr Bond

    4.2060
    +0.0100 (+0.24%)
     
  • FTSE Bursa Malaysia

    1,541.25
    +10.65 (+0.70%)
     
  • Jakarta Composite Index

    7,288.81
    -21.28 (-0.29%)
     
  • PSE Index

    6,903.53
    +5.36 (+0.08%)
     

Savings Alert: Back-to-School Sales Tax Holidays of 2016 Are Rolling Out

A shiny "Frozen" lunchbox: $7.99.

A pair of new Converse: $49.99.

A copy of "Expresate" Spanish Level 3 textbook: $72.35.

The cost of back-to-school gear can add up quickly.

That's why -- for a precious handful of days each year -- many states give hardworking parents and their wallets a break. During back-to-school sales tax holidays, states like Florida, Virginia and Arkansas allow shoppers to purchase certain back-to-school items free of sales tax.

Not all states elect to hold sales tax holidays, however, and each participating state's tax-free holiday is unique. Different state holidays may have different dates, and offer tax exemption for different types of products.

ADVERTISEMENT

[See: 10 Money-Saving Websites to Check Before Shopping.]

This year, 16 states have confirmed participation in a tax-free holiday. You can find details on dates, qualifying products and state tax rates below. Keep in mind these rates do not include any local taxes, and actual sales tax rates may differ by county, city and municipality.

Alabama Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5-7

State sales tax: 4 percent

During the state's tax holiday, Alabama shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

-- Computers under $750 per item

-- School and art supplies under $50 per item

-- Textbooks between $40 and $50

-- Books under $30

Excluded: handbags, cosmetics, sports shoes, cell phones and video games

[See: 12 Ways to Be a More Mindful Spender.]

Arkansas Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 6--7

State sales tax: 6.5 percent

During the state's tax holiday, Arkansas shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

-- Accessories under $50 per item

-- School and art supplies (no limit)

-- Reference supplies (no limit)

Excluded: sewing equipment, protection equipment and recreational equipment

Connecticut Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 21--27

State sales tax: 6.35 percent

During the state's tax holiday, Connecticut shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

Excluded: Athletic uniforms and protective gear

Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5--7

State sales tax: 6 percent

During the state's tax holiday, Florida shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and shoes under $60 per item

-- School supplies under $15 per item

-- Computers and software under $750 per item

Georgia Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: July 30--31

State sales tax: 4 percent

During the state's tax holiday, Georgia shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and footwear under $100 per item

-- School supplies under $20 per item

-- Computers and software under $1,000 per item

Excluded: clothing accessories and non-recreational electronics and software

Iowa Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5--6

State sales tax: 6 percent

During the state's tax holiday, Iowa shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and footwear under $100 per item

Excluded: bags, backpacks, wallets, watches, athletic uniforms and cleats

[See: How to Live on $13,000 a Year.]

Maryland Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 14--20

Sales tax: 6 percent

During the state's tax holiday, Maryland shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and shoes under $100 per item.

Excluded: handbags, backpacks, jewelry and watches

Mississippi Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: July 29--30

State sales tax: 7 percent

During the state's tax holiday, Mississippi shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

Excludes: backpacks, luggage, purses, wallets, skates and skis

Missouri Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5-7

Sales tax: 4.225 percent

During the state's tax holiday, Missouri shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and footwear under $100 per item

-- School supplies under $50 per item

-- Computers under $1,500 per item

-- Software under $350

-- Graphing calculators under $150

Excludes: ties, watches, handbags and sporting equipment

New Mexico Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5--7

State sales tax: 5.125 percent

During the state's tax holiday, New Mexico shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

-- School supplies under $30 per item

-- Backpacks under $100 per item

-- Calculators under $200 per item

Excludes: athletic uniforms and gear, costumes, handbags, briefcases and separately sold software

Ohio Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5--7

State sales tax: 6.25 percent

During the state's tax holiday, Ohio shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and shoes under $75 per item

-- School supplies under $20 per item

-- Instructional materials under $20 per item

Excluded: Items used in trade or business

Oklahoma Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5--7

Sales tax: 4.5 percent

During the state's Tax Holiday, Oklahoma shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

Excludes: accessories, athletic shoes or protective gear

South Carolina Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5--7

Sales tax: 6 percent

During the state's tax holiday, South Carolina shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and shoes (no limit)

-- School supplies (no limit)

-- Computers, software and printers (no limit)

-- Home towels, bathmats and bedding (no limit)

Excludes: jewelry, cosmetics and eyewear

Tennessee Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: July 29-31

Sales tax: 7 percent

During the state's tax holiday, Tennessee shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

-- School supplies under $100 per item

-- Computers under $1,500 per item

Excludes: bags, jewelry, sports gear, reference books and separately sold software

Texas Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5--7

Sales tax: 8.25 percent

During the state's tax holiday, Texas shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

-- School supplies under $100 per item

Excludes: handbags and protective sports gear

Virginia Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5--7

Sales tax: 4.3 percent

During the state's tax holiday, Virginia shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

-- Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

-- School supplies under $20 per item

Excludes: jewelry, handbags, printers and digital storage media

Want to learn more about your state's back-to-school tax holiday? Visit your state's Department of Revenue website for further details and a complete list of exempt and non-exempt items.

Maria Lalonde honed her deal-hunting skills while traveling through South America and Southeast Asia, combing colorful local markets for unique finds. Her love of blogging and thirst for deals brought her to Offers.com, where she blogs about savings tips.



More From US News & World Report