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.
[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.
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