With the school season approaching, families across the US are planning for expenses that will tighten budgets. To help, many states are waiving sales tax on school necessities on scheduled dates. For 2026, 18 states have announced such tax holidays.
The duration and scope of the program vary widely from state to state. Florida offers the longest tax-free shopping period, lasting a full month from July 20 to August 20, while in states like Iowa and Massachusetts, the opportunity is limited to just a few days.
States and Dates for 2026 Tax-Free Holidays
- Alabama: July 17-19. Covers clothing, books, and computers.
- Arkansas: August 1-2. In addition to essentials, art supplies and some electronics are included.
- Connecticut: August 16-22. Clothing, shoes, and backpacks can be purchased tax-free for a week.
- Florida: July 20 – August 20. Offers a full month of tax-free shopping.
- Illinois: August 7-16. The state tax is not entirely lifted, but reduced taxes will apply to eligible clothing and school supplies.
- Iowa: August 7-8. Although only two days, it covers basics like clothing and shoes.
- Maryland: August 9-15. Clothing, shoes, and backpacks are tax-free for a week.
- Massachusetts: August 8-9. A statewide general tax holiday that is not limited to school supplies will be in effect.
- Mississippi: July 10-12. Eligible clothing, shoes, and school supplies can be purchased tax-free.
- Missouri: August 7-9. Has one of the broadest lists, covering clothing, school supplies, computers, and calculators.
- New Mexico: July 31 – August 2. Clothing, school supplies, computers, and related tech products are exempt.
- Ohio: August 7-9. Clothing, school supplies, and educational materials are tax-free over the weekend.
- Oklahoma: August 7-9. Eligible clothing and shoes benefit from the tax exemption.
- South Carolina: August 7-9. Covers clothing, school supplies, computers, and many other items.
- Tennessee: July 31 – August 2. Clothing, school supplies, art supplies, and computers are on the list.
- Texas: August 7-9. Backpacks, shoes, clothing, and school supplies can be bought tax-free this weekend.
- Virginia: August 7-9. Clothing, school supplies, and some emergency items are covered.
- West Virginia: July 31 – August 3. In addition to clothing and school supplies, computers and sports equipment are also on the list.
Other States
Even in states not on the list, permanent tax exemptions may exist for certain items. In Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Vermont, for example, most clothing and shoes are tax-free year-round. Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon have no state-level sales tax at all.
Scope of Exemptions and What to Watch for
Tax exemptions generally cover basic school necessities like clothing, shoes, backpacks, stationery, computers, and tablets. However, the product list and per-item price limits differ in each state. Checking the state's official tax department website for current rules and making a shopping list before heading to the store ensures significant savings. Online purchases are usually also included in these offers.
US families already planning for 2026 can save significantly on school expenses by tracking their state's tax-free dates.
