Back-to-school shoppingseason is in full swing.
Shopping tax-free events, along withback-to-school dealsand sales, can offer some relief onback-to-school shopping items.
Fourteen states total host sales tax holidays that run in August.
you’ve got the option to use the acronym NOMAD to remember them.
*Alaska does levy local sales tax.
What is a sales tax holiday?
Some states hold tax-free holidays annually, and a few even host several tax-free events throughout the year.
Most states that participate in tax holidays hold an event in the summer that aligns with back-to-school shopping.
You’ll commonly find sales taxes paused on purchases likelaptops, clothing, school supplies and other accessories.
Can you save money during a tax holiday?
Cities and counties may or may not exempt local sales taxes during these state tax holidays.
State sales tax holiday FAQs
Do tax-free weekends include online sales?
Just double-check you follow your state’s guidelines for qualifying items.
The time zone of the seller will usually define whether the sale is within the sales tax exemption period.
What happens if I buy a qualifying item that’s over the dollar limit?
If you were to spend $60 on a backpack, you’d be taxed only for $20.
We recommend reviewing your state’s full item list and rules to plan accordingly.
Is New Jersey holding a sales tax holiday this year?
New Jersey used to participate in tax-free weekends for back-to-school items.
However, its sales tax holiday wasrepealed in 2024.
It will not hold a tax holiday this year.
Do all cities in a state holding a tax holiday participate?
Most states require all cities and businesses therein to participate in tax-free holidays.Alabama,FloridaandMissouridon’t.
More on back-to-school shopping
