A Parent’s Guide to Back-to-School Sales Tax Holidays in 2024

State tax holidays are a popular way for consumers to save money on certain purchases by temporarily exempting them from sales tax. These holidays typically occur once a year and are designed to coincide with back-to-school shopping, making it easier for families to afford essential items for the upcoming school year. Each state has its own set of rules and regulations regarding what items are eligible for tax exemption during these periods. Let’s take a closer look at some of the state tax holiday dates and what items are included in these tax-free periods.

Alabama’s tax holiday takes place from July 19-21, 2024, and includes exemptions on clothing (up to $100 per item), diapers, computers (up to $750), school supplies (up to $50 per item), and books (up to $30 each). This provides families with an opportunity to save money on essential back-to-school items and other necessities.

On the other hand, Alaska does not have a designated tax holiday, as sales tax is determined by individual municipalities. Similarly, Arizona also does not have a tax holiday, with the state not having a designated tax-free period.

Arkansas offers a tax holiday on August 3-4, 2024, covering school and art supplies, electronics (up to $50 per item), school instructional materials, diapers, and clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item). This allows residents to save money on a variety of items needed for the school year.

In California, there is no tax holiday, as the state does not have a designated tax-free period. The same applies to Colorado, where there is no tax holiday in place.

Connecticut’s tax holiday runs from August 18-24, 2024, and includes exemptions on clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item), excluding accessories and protective or athletic clothing. This provides residents with an opportunity to save on essential clothing items for the upcoming season.

Delaware does not have a tax holiday, as the state does not have a sales tax. Similarly, Georgia discontinued sales tax holidays in 2016, so there is no tax holiday in place in the state.

Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, and several other states also do not have designated tax holidays, with each state having its own regulations regarding sales tax exemptions.

Maryland’s tax holiday takes place from August 11-17, 2024, and includes exemptions on clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item), backpacks and book bags (tax relief only applies to the first $40 spent on these items). This provides residents with an opportunity to save on back-to-school essentials.

Massachusetts offers a tax holiday on August 10-11, 2024, covering most retail items for personal use up to $2,500. This allows residents to save on a wide range of items during the tax-free period.

Mississippi’s tax holiday runs from July 12-14, 2024, covering clothing, footwear, accessories, and school supplies (up to $100 per item). This provides residents with an opportunity to save on essential back-to-school items.

Missouri’s tax holiday takes place from August 2-4, 2024, covering clothing and diapers (up to $100 per item), personal computers and electronic devices (up to $1,500), graphing calculators (up to $150), computer software (up to $350), and school supplies (up to $50). This provides residents with an opportunity to save on a variety of items needed for the school year.

Overall, state tax holidays are a great way for consumers to save money on essential purchases, especially during back-to-school shopping season. By taking advantage of these tax-free periods, families can stretch their budgets further and ensure that they have everything they need for the upcoming school year. Be sure to check the specific dates and eligible items for your state’s tax holiday to make the most of these savings opportunities.