2025 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Guide: Save Big on School Supplies and Tech

Are you preparing for back-to-school shopping? The 2025 back-to-school tax-free weekends across the U.S. are the perfect time to save money on essential supplies, clothing, and electronics. This SEO-optimized guide breaks down the key dates, eligible items, and how you can maximize your savings during these state-wide tax holidays.

What Is a Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday?

A sales tax holiday is a limited-time event when certain items are exempt from state (and sometimes local) sales tax. For families shopping for school clothes, supplies, and tech, these weekends can lead to significant savings—especially with rising prices due to inflation and tariffs.

Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend Dates by State (2025)

Here is a complete list of U.S. states offering tax-free shopping days in July and August 2025, including what items are eligible:

Alabama

Dates: July 18–20
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing & shoes: $100 or less per item
• Computers: $750 or less
• School supplies: $50 or less
• Books: $30 or less

Arkansas

Dates: Aug. 2–3
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing & shoes: $100 or less
• Accessories: $50 or less
• School supplies and electronics

Connecticut

Dates: Aug. 17–23
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing & footwear: under $100 per item

Florida

Dates: Entire Month of August
Tax-Free Items:

• School supplies: $50 or less
• Clothing & accessories: $100 or less
• Computers: up to $1,500
• Educational aids: $30 or less

Iowa

Dates: Aug. 1–2
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing & footwear: $100 or less per item

Maryland

Dates: Aug. 10–16
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing, footwear, and accessories: $100 or less
• Backpacks: First $40 is tax-free

Massachusetts

Dates: Aug. 9–10
Tax-Free Items:

• Any personal-use item: $2,500 or less (excludes alcohol, tobacco, cars, etc.)

Mississippi

Dates: July 11–13
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing & footwear: $100 or less
• School supplies: $100 or less

Missouri

Dates: Aug. 1–3
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing: $100 or less
• School supplies: $50 or less
• Computers & peripherals: $1,500 or less
• Software: $350 or less
• Graphing calculators: $150 or less

New Mexico

Dates: July 25–27
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing & shoes: $100 or less
• Computers: $1,000
• Computer hardware: $500
• Supplies: $30 or less

Ohio

Dates: Aug. 1–14
Tax-Free Items:

• Any tangible personal property: $500 or less (with exceptions)

Oklahoma

Dates: Aug. 1–3
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing & footwear: $100 or less

South Carolina

Dates: Aug. 1–3
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing, shoes, accessories
• School supplies
• Computers & tech
• Bed/bath items, diapers

Tennessee

Dates: July 25–27
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing & supplies: $100 or less
• Computers: $1,500 or less

Texas

Dates: Aug. 8–10
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing, backpacks, school supplies: $100 or less

Virginia

Dates: Aug. 1–3
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing: $100 or less
• Supplies: $20 or less

West Virginia

Dates: Aug. 1–4
Tax-Free Items:

• Clothing: $125 or less
• Computers: $500 or less
• Instructional material: $20
• Supplies: $50
• Sports equipment: $150 or less

How to Maximize Your Savings

• Shop early: High demand can cause product shortages.
• Compare online & in-store: Most online purchases also qualify.
• Combine with retailer discounts for double savings.
• Check local tax rules: Some local areas opt out.

Why Sales Tax Holidays Matter in 2025

With rising concerns over inflation and tariffs, families are tightening budgets. The National Retail Federation reports parents of K-12 students spent around $875 last year, while college spenders averaged $1,365. In 2025, that number is expected to increase, especially for low-income families.

Sales tax holidays offer an opportunity to beat inflation and stretch every dollar further.

Whether you’re in Missouri, Texas, or Florida, knowing your state’s tax-free weekend can help you plan smarter. Don’t miss these once-a-year events to gear up for school while keeping your budget intact.