Summer-long tax exemptions for back-to-school purchases commence immediately in 2025.
17 States to Offer Sales Tax Holidays for Back-to-School Shopping in 2025
In 2025, a total of 17 states will be offering sales tax holidays for back-to-school shopping, providing significant savings for parents and students across the nation. The tax-free periods are mostly scheduled between July and August, offering shoppers the opportunity to purchase essentials such as school supplies, clothing, computers, and electronics tax-free.
Key Dates and Items Covered
Here's a summary of the key states with confirmed sales tax holidays in 2025, along with the items covered and their respective spending limits:
- Alabama: July 18-20; tax-free on clothing/shoes up to $100 per item, computers up to $750, school supplies/books
- Arkansas: August 2-3; tax-free clothing/shoes up to $100, accessories up to $50, school and art supplies, electronics for school
- Connecticut: August 16-22; tax-free clothing and footwear under $300
- Florida: August 1-31; tax-free on school supplies up to $50, clothing/shoes/accessories up to $100, computers/accessories up to $1,500
- Iowa: August 1-2; clothing and footwear under $100 tax-free
- Maryland: August 9-15; tax-free back-to-school supplies
- Massachusetts: August 9-10; broad tax exemption on items up to $2,500
- Mississippi: Held tax holiday in July (dates not specified)
- New Mexico: Also held July tax holiday
- Tennessee: July 25-27; tax-free general apparel and supplies under $100, computers under $1,500
- Virginia: August 1-3; school supplies under $20, clothing under $100
- West Virginia: August 1-4; clothing $125 or less, laptops/tablets up to $500, school supplies $50 or less, school instruction materials $20 or less, sports equipment $150 or less
Other states are also participating, with varying item limits and dates, often in early August. However, some large states like New York, California, Delaware, and Illinois do not offer a tax holiday this year.
Online Shopping Eligibility
Many states include online shopping in the tax-exempt period. The tax-free items generally cover clothing, footwear, school supplies, computers/electronics, sometimes with specific price caps per item. This provides shoppers with meaningful savings, especially on more expensive electronics and learning materials.
Price Hikes and Early Shopping
Major retailers like Walmart have warned that price hikes are likely due to President Donald Trump's tariffs, which are slated to come into effect in early August. As a result, back-to-school shoppers are getting an early start due to rising prices being a top concern.
Some states levy the highest sales taxes in the nation, making these sales tax holidays even more valuable for shoppers. Shoppers in the District of Columbia can visit Virginia or Maryland to take advantage of sales tax holidays and save on back-to-school expenses.
In conclusion, shoppers should be aware of the specific sales tax-free weekends to maximize their savings in 2025. With the increasing cost of living and education, these tax holidays offer a much-needed relief for families preparing for the new school year.
During the sales tax holidays in 2025, personal-finance savings can be enjoyed on various lifestyle items such as clothing, footwear, school supplies, computers, and electronics in states like Iowa, Florida, and Virginia. Additionally, shoppers in the District of Columbia can save on back-to-school expenses by taking advantage of sales tax holidays in neighboring states, like Virginia or Maryland.
