Tax-free weekend dates vary by state and are not the same everywhere
Tax-free weekend is not a single national event. Each state that offers it sets its own dates, usually in July or August, though some states run it at different times or not at all. You need to check your state's specific dates because they shift year to year and differ from neighbouring states.
Most states that run tax-free weekend do so for one week in late July or early August. Some states offer multiple tax-free periods throughout the year. A few states — including New Hampshire, Delaware, Montana, and Oregon — do not have a tax-free weekend at all because they either have no sales tax or no clothing tax.
The best way to find your state's dates is to search "[your state name] tax-free weekend" or visit your state's Department of Revenue website directly. That site will also tell you exactly which items may have access to, because the rules are different in every state.
Key Takeaways
- Tax-free weekend dates are set by each state individually and change from year to year, so you must check your state's official website to know when it runs.
- Most states limit tax-free purchases to clothing and school supplies, but some include electronics, computers, or other items — your state's rules determine what qualifies.
- Some states set price caps on individual items, so a $100 pair of shoes might be tax-free but a $200 coat might not be.
- Tax-free weekend applies only to in-store and online purchases made during the designated dates; you cannot use it before or after those specific days.
What items are usually tax-free during the weekend
Clothing and school supplies are the most common tax-free categories. Clothing typically includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, and shoes. School supplies usually cover notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, backpacks, and calculators.
Beyond those basics, the rules diverge sharply by state. Some states add computers, computer equipment, and office furniture to the list. Others include sports equipment, art supplies, or educational software. A few states tax clothing but not school supplies, or vice versa. Check your state's specific list because an item that is tax-free in one state may be taxed in another.
Most states also set price limits per item. For example, a shirt under $100 might be tax-free, but a coat over $100 might not be. These caps vary widely — some states have no cap at all, while others set limits as low as $50 per item. Your state's Department of Revenue website will list the exact thresholds.
How to find your state's tax-free weekend information
Start with your state's Department of Revenue or Department of Taxation website. Search for "tax-free weekend" or "back-to-school tax holiday" on that site. The official page will list the exact dates, which items may have access to, any price limits, and whether online purchases count.
Some states require retailers to participate, while others make it voluntary. Most major retailers participate, but smaller stores or specialty shops may not. If you are buying from a specific retailer, you can also call or check their website to confirm they are participating and which items they are offering tax-free.
If your state does not have a tax-free weekend, you cannot get around the sales tax during any particular week. Your only option is to buy during regular shopping and pay the full tax rate.
Whether online purchases count toward tax-free weekend
Online purchases count in some states but not others. A few states allow tax-free online shopping during tax-free weekend if the retailer ships to your state. Other states limit tax-free weekend to in-store purchases only. Some states allow online orders placed during tax-free weekend to be tax-free even if they arrive after the weekend ends.
The rules are specific enough that you should confirm with the retailer or your state's Department of Revenue before you order. If you are buying from a major chain like Target, Walmart, or Amazon, their website usually shows whether tax-free weekend applies to your order during the designated dates.
Price limits and exclusions that explore in most states
Even within the "clothing" category, some items are excluded. Accessories like belts, hats, scarves, and gloves are sometimes taxed even during tax-free weekend, depending on your state. Shoes are usually included, but some states exclude athletic shoes or boots above a certain price.
School supplies have similar gaps. Computers and tablets are often excluded from the basic school supplies list, though some states offer a separate tax-free period for electronics. Art supplies, sports equipment, and musical instruments are usually taxed even during tax-free weekend unless your state specifically includes them.
Items that are almost never tax-free during tax-free weekend include food, beverages, furniture (except office furniture in some states), and items for adults that are not school-related. Check your state's exclusion list on the Department of Revenue website to be certain.
What happens if you buy before or after tax-free weekend
You pay the full sales tax rate if you buy outside the designated dates. There is no way to retroactively claim a tax-free purchase or to explore a future tax-free weekend to something you already bought. The tax rate you pay is the one that applies on the day you make the purchase.
Some retailers offer their own sales during tax-free weekend that are separate from the state tax break. Those discounts are the retailer's choice and are not part of the official tax-free weekend. You get both the state tax break and the retailer's discount if you buy during the weekend, but the retailer's discount does not extend beyond it.
States that do not have tax-free weekend
New Hampshire, Delaware, Montana, and Oregon do not offer tax-free weekend. New Hampshire and Oregon have no sales tax at all. Delaware has a sales tax but does not tax clothing or shoes. Montana has a sales tax but does not tax clothing.
If you live in one of these states, you already get a tax break on clothing year-round in some cases, or you pay no sales tax on anything. If you live in a state with tax-free weekend, you cannot use that state's tax-free dates if you are shopping in a state that does not have the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tax-free weekend to buy clothes for work or for adults?
Tax-free weekend applies to clothing regardless of who wears it, so adult work clothes and casual clothes both may have access to. The tax break is not limited to children's sizes or school-specific items. However, some states exclude certain types of clothing like athletic shoes or formal wear, so check your state's list.
Do I need a coupon or special code to get the tax-free discount?
No. The tax break is automatic at checkout during the designated dates. You do not need to bring a coupon, enter a code, or sign up for anything. The cashier or online system will straightforward not charge tax on may have access to items purchased during tax-free weekend.
What if a store charges me tax during tax-free weekend by mistake?
Ask the cashier or contact customer service when ready. Most retailers will refund the tax if you catch the error during your transaction or shortly after. Keep your receipt and the store's tax-free weekend policy information in case you need to dispute the charge later.
Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax savings back?
Return policies are separate from tax-free weekend. If you return an item, the refund is usually based on what you paid, including any tax. The tax-free status does not change the return process — you get back what you spent, minus any restocking fees the store charges.
Do I have to buy school supplies to get the tax break, or can I just buy clothes?
You can buy only clothing, only school supplies, or both. Tax-free weekend does not require you to buy a certain combination of items. You get the tax break on any may have access to item you purchase during the designated dates, whether it is one shirt or a full wardrobe.