Check out our list of Back to School Sale Events to double up on savings! Or, view our Latest Deals to see all of our great deals. Tax free + sale events + coupons = massive savings!
As of today, 16 states recognize tax-free holidays. So, if you’re lucky enough to live in one of those states, you can take advantage of the savings. Back-to-school shopping on the right weekend will save you quite a bit of change, so pay attention to the date of your state’s tax holidays since some are right around the corner.
States with a tax holiday of Aug. 5-7 are as follows: Alabama, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia (Iowa and Louisiana: Aug. 5-6, Arkansas: Aug 6-7). Mostly school-related items are the feature of these upcoming tax holidays. See the chart below:
| State | Items and Maximum Cost (Per Item) | 2011 Dates | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | clothing – $100 computers – $750 school supplies – $50 books – $30 |
August 5-7 | revenue.alabama.gov |
| Arkansas | clothing and footwear – $100 Clothing accessories – $50 school supplies, art supplies, school instructional material |
August 6-7 | www.dfa.arkansas.gov |
| Connecticut | clothing and footwear – $300 | August 21-27 | www.ct.gov |
| Florida | school supplies – $15 clothing – $75 |
August 12-14 | dor.myflorida.com |
| Iowa | clothing – $100 | August 5-6 | www.iowaccess.org |
| Louisiana | all TPP – $2,500 hurricane preparedness items – $1,500 |
August 5-6 | revenue.louisiana.gov |
| Maryland | clothing and footwear – $100 | August 14-20 | www.marylandtaxes.com |
| Massachusetts | TVs, clothing, personal items – $2,500 | August 13-14 | www.mass.gov |
| Missouri | clothing – $100 computers – $3,500 school supplies – $50 |
August 5-7 | dor.mo.gov |
| New Mexico | clothing – $100 computers – $1,000 school supplies – $15 |
August 5-7 | www.tax.newmexico.gov |
| North Carolina | clothing – $100 school supples – $100 instructional material – $300 computers – $3,500 other comp. – $250 sports equip – $50 |
August 5-7 | www.dornc.com |
| Oklahoma | clothing – $100 | August 5-7 | www.tax.ok.gov |
| South Carolina | clothing school supplies computers other (Check SC site for explicit items’ exemptions) |
August 5-7 | www.sctax.org |
| Tennessee | clothing – $100 school supplies – $100 computers – $1,500 |
August 5-7 | tn.gov |
| Texas | clothing, backpacks, and school supplies – $100 | August 19-21 | www.window.state.tx.us |
| Virginia | clothing – $100 school supplies – $20 |
August 5-7 | www.tax.virginia.gov |
Before you get too excited though, I should make note of the fact that most states place a dollar limit on what is tax-exempt. For example, Alabama’s tax holiday offers a tax break on any articles of clothing $100 or less. This means that a pair of jeans costing $125 would be taxed but a jacket for $99 would be tax-free, so be aware of any specific rules your state may have during tax holidays.
Over the years, tax holidays have grown to include all kinds of things from Energy Star appliances, generators, and hurricane supplies to air conditioners, computers, and firearms (Louisiana only). Each state will specify a list of items that are tax exempt each tax holiday, so it’s just a matter of knowing what to buy when.
THE HISTORY
January 1997 marked the first ever Tax Holiday. It occurred in New York, and since then a total of 16 states have enacted similar tax-free legislations. Most of the 16 tax-free friendly states offer tax-free weekends in August, in order to provide tax breaks on certain necessities like school supplies, books and clothing.
In more recent years, states like Texas, Virginia, Maryland and Missouri have extended this idea to include Energy Star appliances. The main purpose of tax holidays is to provide tax relief to low and middle income households on certain necessities, but that doesn’t prevent everyone from reaping the benefits.
DOUBLE-UP ON SAVINGS ON TAX FREE DAYS!
In addition to tax-free shopping days, many retailers (local and national) will be promoting special back-to-school and tax-free weekend sales. At BargainJack.com, we’ll be monitoring all the top sales and promotional events going on at your local retail stores! Be sure to check back early and often to find out what kind of great savings you can find–tax free, of course!
With sales tax producing an average of half or more of states’ revenues, it is the silent killer when it comes to taxes. So, while tax holidays may be far and few between a little planning could turn into hundreds of dollars saved each year.
Loading ...
The government shouldn’t cut or eliminate taxes on clothing, shoes, and school supplies. The government should simply give the stores a huge stimulus payment. That will help consumers more….
Obviously Dondre has never studied even the most basic principles of economics.
@Publius
I think it’s pretty clear Dondre’s being sarcastic…
Obviously Publius has never studied even the most basic principles of sarcasm.
You forgot MA
Massachusetts has a sales tax holiday scheduled for this weekend (Aug 13-14, 2011).
See: http://1.usa.gov/qDk5kz
Thanks, I just added MA to the list! They have a pretty sweet deal going with a $2500 max on personal items, including TVs…
How about NY and NJ. Thanks, this stuff comes in handy!
I didn’t see PA on the list, anybody know when?
I wish the government would help with textbooks!!! 800 dollars a semester is way to much for any college student to pay