Who doesn’t love seeing a lighter checkout total? Back-to-school shopping is fun until the checkout screen (and a smiling salesperson) reminds you that those notebooks, backpacks and laptops you picked up to cater to your child’s whims (or needs) have added up to a pretty good amount. And it’s not just school supplies — your wallet gets the biggest surprise at checkout when you’re shopping for clothes, dorm room essentials, surprise gifts for teachers or household stuff. That’s why every discount, no matter how small it is, feels big. After all, we aren’t paying full price at least. Now, here comes the good news — you don’t have to wait for another big sale to save.
Sales tax holidays have returned. Many US states are giving you a reason to smile at checkout once again. During these limited-time events, participating states temporarily waive or reduce sales tax on purchases. No sales tax means a smaller checkout total. Whether you’re buying a new bottle, upgrading your school laptop or just refreshing your summer wardrobe, it’s great when paying less doesn’t require a coupon code. You get an instant discount from the state. But what exactly is a sales tax holiday, and how does it work? Let’s break it down.
A sales tax holiday is a limited-time period when participating states suspend/reduce sales tax on a few qualifying items. Some tax holidays have become an annual tradition that’s followed every year; usually before the school reopens or before the summer commences. Each participating state has its own dates, list of eligible/ineligible items and spending limits. Let’s take a look at all the states that are following up with the tradition and helping you score savings.
There are 19 states that are offering sales tax holidays this year. They include:
Sales tax holiday dates: July 17 to 19 (expired)
Qualifying products purchased during the exemption period with rain check will qualify for the exemption regardless of when the rain check was issued.
Sales tax holiday dates: July 20 to Aug. 20
Rather than a complete exemption, Illinois slashes its sales tax by 5% – dropping the rate from 6.25% to 1.25%.
Sales tax holiday dates: July 10 to 12 (expired)
See the full list of qualifying supplies here.
Sales tax holiday dates: July 31 to Aug. 2
Sales tax holiday dates: July 17 to 18 (expired)
Sales tax holiday dates: July 31 to Aug. 2
Sales tax holiday dates: July 31 to Aug. 3
Looking to upgrade your laptop or other tech essentials before the next session starts? Here’s a list of nine states that are offering discounts on tech gear:
Yes. Apple is offering tax-free shopping on select products. Check its website for more information about discounted products.
Yes. The tax holiday applies to all online registered online retailers that are selling qualifying items in that state.
A sales tax holiday offers limited days of tax-free shopping, so we suggest you check whether your state is offering the discount and plan ahead. If your back-to-school checklist isn’t complete yet, now’s the time to finish it and save a few bucks.
