Back to School 2026: Tax-Free Shopping by State

Millions of families in the United States will be able to save on back-to-school shopping thanks to the sales tax holidays in July and August 2026. These periods temporarily suspend sales tax on clothing, footwear, school supplies, backpacks, and other eligible items.

The relief varies by state and product. On a $500 purchase, savings can reach up to $35, depending on the local tax rate and price limits. The difference may seem small, but it can be decisive for households with multiple students. Additionally, the benefit also applies to online purchases, as long as they are shipped to an address within the state offering the exemption.

What is a Sales Tax Holiday?

A sales tax holiday is a limited period during which a state stops collecting sales tax on specific categories. It typically includes clothing, footwear, and school supplies and, in some cases, computers or sports equipment. Most states set price caps per item. If a product exceeds that limit, the exemption does not cover the full value, but only the portion that falls within the state’s rules.

Florida opened its window on July 20, 2026, and will keep it through August 20. There, clothing and footwear up to $100, supplies up to $50, and computers up to $1,500 are exempt. Mississippi, meanwhile, closed its period on July 12. Those who did not shop in time will not have another window this year. This type of measure does not lower the structural cost of living. However, it does reduce mandatory spending during a very difficult time of year for the family budget.

Which States Will Have Exemptions Soon?

Several states will open their sales tax holidays between July 31 and August 23, 2026. Dates change frequently, so it is advisable to check the state calendar before shopping.

• New Mexico and Tennessee will have exemptions from July 31 to August 2. West Virginia will maintain it from July 31 to August 3, with coverage for clothing, footwear, and sports equipment.
• Arkansas will have its window on August 1 and 2. There will be no price limit on school electronic devices, which can benefit families looking for tablets or accessories.
• Iowa will apply the benefit on August 7 and 8, though only for clothing and footwear under $100. Texas, Ohio, Missouri, Virginia, South Carolina, and Oklahoma will have the window from August 7 to 9.
• Illinois will offer the exemption again from August 7 to 16, something that had not happened since 2022. In that state, clothing and footwear will have a cap of $125 per item, and school supplies will have no price limit.
• Massachusetts will apply the measure on August 8 and 9, with coverage for almost any personal item up to $2,500. Maryland will do so from August 9 to 15, with clothing up to $100 and the first $40 of each backpack exempt.
• Connecticut will have the most generous window of the year. From