Tax-free weekend has arrived, offering shoppers the opportunity to stock up on needed items ahead of the upcoming school year while still leaving some jingle in their pockets. Many stores are having sales this weekend, so parents may want to do a little homework before hitting the store aisles to maximize their savings.
The tax-free weekend runs from Friday, August 5, through Sunday, August 7.
Eligible tax-free items include school supplies, backpacks, clothing, sportswear, and shoes, all of which must be priced under $100. The limit on tax-free purchases is $99.99 per item, not per purchase.
Other items eligible for tax-free purchase include:
- Adult diapers
- Aprons (household)
- Baby bibs, clothes, or diapers (cloth or disposable)
- Cloth masks and disposable fabric face masks
- Costumes
- Graduation caps and gowns
- Hats and caps
- Neckwear and ties
While the list of what is eligible is extensive, it can be confusing as to what is and is not tax-free. Items that are NOT tax-free include:
- Any individual items sold for more than $100
- Clothing subscription boxes
- Specially-designed athletic activity or protective-use clothing or footwear such as golf cleats or football pads
- Clothing or footwear rentals, alterations (including embroidery), and cleaning services
- Items used to make or repair clothing, such as fabric, thread, yarn, buttons, snaps, hooks, and zippers.
- Jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches, and other accessories
- Belt buckles (sold separately)
- Hair accessories, including barrettes, bobby pins, elastic ponytail holders, hair bows, hair clips, headbands, or ribbons
- Computers or software
- Textbooks
- Luggage, briefcases, athletic, duffle, or gym bags, computer bags, and purses
- Office supplies for businesses
Eligible items purchased online, by phone, in-store, or by any other means will be tax-free this weekend.