A sales tax holiday is a temporary period — usually a weekend, sometimes a full week — during which the state suspends sales tax on certain qualifying purchases. These events can save shoppers 4–10% or more on eligible items. In 2026, 16 states are scheduled to hold at least one sales tax holiday. Here's a comprehensive guide to what's happening and what you can buy tax-free.
What Is a Sales Tax Holiday?
A sales tax holiday is a government-designated period when specific categories of goods can be purchased without paying state (and often local) sales tax. They were introduced in the 1990s as a way to stimulate consumer spending on big-ticket purchases while reducing the tax burden during peak shopping seasons.
The most common type is the "back-to-school" holiday held in late July or August, intended to help families buy school supplies, clothing, and sometimes computers without paying tax. But states also hold holidays for hurricane preparedness supplies, energy-efficient appliances, hunting and fishing gear, and other categories.
Local counties and cities can choose to participate or opt out of state holidays. In some states, local tax may still apply even when state tax is suspended, so always verify the rules for your specific location.
Back-to-School Sales Tax Holidays (2026)
Florida — Back-to-School Tax Holiday
Florida typically holds one of the longest and most generous back-to-school holidays each year, usually spanning 10–14 days in late July. Qualifying purchases in 2026 are expected to include:
- Clothing and shoes: items priced $100 or less per item
- School supplies: items priced $50 or less per item
- Personal computers and related accessories: items priced $1,500 or less
- Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles: $30 or less per item
Florida's holiday applies to state sales tax only. Individual counties may or may not participate, meaning local tax may still apply in some areas.
Texas — Back-to-School Tax Holiday
Texas holds a back-to-school sales tax holiday on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of August each year. For 2026, this falls in early August. Qualifying items include:
- Clothing and footwear priced less than $100 per item (tax-free)
- School supplies costing less than $100 per item
- Backpacks priced under $100
Notably, Texas's holiday does not include electronics or computers — those remain taxable. All 254 Texas counties participate, meaning both state (6.25%) and local taxes are suspended on qualifying items.
Virginia — Back-to-School Tax Holiday
Virginia holds a sales tax holiday in early August (typically the first full weekend). Qualifying items include:
- Clothing and footwear: $100 or less per item
- School supplies: $20 or less per item
- Hurricane preparedness items: generators (under $1,000), power equipment (under $1,000)
- Energy Star products: items costing $2,500 or less
Virginia's combined state and local sales tax rate is typically 5.3–7%, so the savings on a $500 laptop bag, for example, could be $25–35.
Alabama — Back-to-School Tax Holiday
Alabama holds a sales tax holiday on the third weekend of July each year. Qualifying items include:
- Clothing: $100 or less per article
- School supplies: $50 or less per item
- Computers: $750 or less
- Computer software: $500 or less
- Books: $30 or less
Alabama has one of the highest combined sales tax rates in the country (up to 11% in some localities), making its holiday particularly valuable for shoppers.
Other Back-to-School Holiday States (2026)
- Arkansas: Usually the first weekend of August — clothing under $100, school supplies under $50
- Iowa: First Friday and Saturday of August — clothing under $100 per item
- Mississippi: Last Friday and Saturday of July — clothing under $100
- Missouri: First weekend of August — clothing under $100, school supplies under $50, computers under $1,500
- New Mexico: First weekend of August — clothing under $100, computers under $1,000, school supplies under $30
- Ohio: First Friday–Sunday of August — clothing under $75, school supplies under $20
- South Carolina: First weekend of August — unlimited clothing, footwear, school supplies; computers; bedding
- Tennessee: Last weekend of July — clothing under $100, school supplies under $100, computers under $1,500
Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays
Florida and Virginia (and sometimes Alabama and Georgia) hold separate holidays focused on storm preparedness supplies, typically in May before hurricane season begins. Qualifying items often include:
- Portable generators (under $1,000)
- Gas-powered chainsaws (under $500)
- Batteries and flashlights (under $30 each)
- First aid kits, tarps, and waterproof bags
- Hand tools and manual can openers
Florida's disaster preparedness holiday in 2026 is expected to run for two weeks in late May and early June, covering a broad range of items including weather-related electronics and power equipment.
Energy-Efficient Appliance Holidays
Some states (Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and others on a rotating basis) hold holidays specifically for Energy Star-certified appliances. These typically cover washers, dryers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and water heaters that meet efficiency certification standards. Price caps vary but are often $1,500–$2,500 per appliance.
Hunting and Fishing Tax Holidays
Florida holds a Hunting and Fishing Tax Holiday in August, covering items like:
- Firearms (with no price cap)
- Ammunition
- Hunting and fishing clothing and equipment
- Fishing rods, reels, and tackle
This is notable as one of the few holidays that covers firearms at any price point.
Maximizing Your Savings During Tax Holidays
- Know the per-item limits: Most holidays set price caps per item, not per transaction. Buying 10 shirts at $90 each would qualify (each under the $100 limit) even though the total exceeds $900.
- Raincheck policies: Many states allow tax-free treatment on rainchecks issued during the holiday period, even if you pick up the item after the holiday ends
- Online purchases qualify: In most participating states, online orders paid for and confirmed during the holiday period qualify, regardless of when they ship
- Check local participation: Some counties opt out of state holidays — always verify your specific county's rules
- Layaway items: Items placed on layaway during a holiday typically qualify for tax-free treatment in most states
Calculate Exact Savings
To calculate how much you save during a sales tax holiday, use our sales tax calculator. Enter the price of your item and your state to see the standard tax amount — that's exactly how much you save by shopping during the holiday period. For example, a $800 laptop in Alabama at 9% combined tax would normally cost $872 — the holiday saves you $72.