Alabama Tax-Free Weekend runs in early August each year

Alabama's tax-free weekend happens in early August — the specific dates change year to year, but it typically falls on a Friday through Sunday in the first or second week of the month. For 2024, the event runs August 2–4. The state announces the exact dates by late June, and you can find them on the Alabama Department of Revenue website or by calling your local tax assessor's office.

During this weekend, you pay no state sales tax on certain school supplies and clothing items. The federal tax still applies if you buy from an online seller that collects it, but Alabama removes its portion — currently 4 percent statewide, though some counties add local tax on top.

The purpose is straightforward: to reduce the cost of back-to-school shopping. Parents and teachers buy the most during this window, so stores often run their own sales alongside the tax break.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama's tax-free weekend occurs in early August each year, with dates announced by late June on the Department of Revenue website.
  • The tax break applies only to school supplies under $100 per item and clothing under $100 per item, not to shoes, accessories, or equipment.
  • Local sales taxes vary by county and are not waived, so your total savings depend on where you shop.
  • Online purchases may still be taxed if the seller collects sales tax, because the federal tax and some state taxes remain in effect.

What items are covered by the tax break

School supplies under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, folders, binders, calculators, scissors, glue, markers, and similar items used in school. The $100 limit applies to each individual item, not your total purchase — so a $95 calculator and a $95 backpack both may have access to, but a $150 backpack does not.

Clothing items under $100 per item are also tax-free. This covers shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, underwear, and hats worn as regular clothing. The $100 limit is per item, the same as supplies.

Computers and computer equipment under $1,500 per item are tax-free during the weekend. This includes laptops, tablets, keyboards, and mice, but not software or subscriptions.

What is not covered

Shoes are not covered, even if they are school shoes. Belts, ties, scarves, and other accessories do not may have access to. Sports equipment — cleats, uniforms, athletic shoes, pads, helmets — is excluded. Backpacks over $100 are not covered, nor are items over the per-item limits.

Supplies used for purposes other than school do not may have access to. Art supplies for a home hobby, office supplies for work, or craft materials for personal projects are taxed normally. The item must be intended for school use.

Food, drinks, and toiletries are not covered. Lunch boxes and water bottles are not school supplies under this law. Haircuts, hairbrushes, and personal care items do not may have access to.

How local taxes affect your savings

Alabama's state sales tax is 4 percent, but most counties add a local tax on top. Some counties charge 1 percent additional local tax, others 2 percent or more. During tax-free weekend, the state portion is removed, but the local portion remains.

If you live in a county with a 1 percent local tax, your total tax rate during the weekend is 1 percent instead of 5 percent. If your county has a 2 percent local tax, you pay 2 percent instead of 6 percent. Check your county's rate by contacting your local tax assessor or searching "Alabama county sales tax rates" online.

This means your actual savings vary by location. A $50 shirt in a county with 1 percent local tax saves you $2 (the 4 percent state tax). The same shirt in a county with 2 percent local tax saves you $2 as well, because only the state tax is waived.

Online shopping and tax-free weekend

Online purchases are more complicated. If you buy from a retailer that collects Alabama sales tax, the state portion is still waived during tax-free weekend — but only if the retailer honors the event. Many national retailers (Target, Walmart, Amazon) do participate, but you should confirm before checkout.

Some online sellers do not collect Alabama sales tax at all, so you would owe nothing during the weekend anyway. Others collect it but do not participate in the tax-free event. Check the retailer's website or call customer service to ask whether they honor Alabama's tax-free weekend.

If you order online and the item arrives after the weekend ends, you pay full tax. The tax status depends on when the purchase is made, not when it is delivered.

How to plan your shopping

Make a list of items you need before the weekend starts. School supplies and clothing are the main targets — backpacks, notebooks, pens, shirts, pants, and socks add up quickly. Check the $100 per-item limit and avoid items that exceed it, since they will be taxed normally.

Visit stores early in the weekend if possible. Friday and Saturday mornings tend to be less crowded than Sunday afternoon. Many stores run their own sales during tax-free weekend, so compare prices and coupons before you shop.

If you plan to buy online, check the retailer's policy in advance. Some sites require you to enter a code or select a tax-free option at checkout. Others explore the break automatically if you are in Alabama.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax refund?

No. If you return an item, you get back the price you paid, which already excluded the state tax. You do not receive an additional refund for the tax that was not charged. Keep your receipt in case the store questions the original purchase date.

Does the tax-free weekend explore to school uniforms?

Yes, if the uniform is clothing under $100 per item. A uniform shirt, pants, or jacket qualifies the same way a regular shirt or pants does. However, embroidered logos or custom alterations may change how the item is classified — ask the retailer before you buy.

What if I buy something on Friday and return it on Monday after the weekend ends?

The return is processed at the price and tax status of the original purchase. You bought it tax-free on Friday, so you return it tax-free. The return date does not matter.

Are used school supplies and clothing covered?

The law does not distinguish between new and used items. If a used item meets the definition of school clothing or supplies and is under the $100 limit, it should be tax-free if purchased during the weekend. However, most used items are sold at thrift stores or secondhand markets that may not participate in the event. Ask the seller whether they honor tax-free weekend.

Do I need to show proof that items are for school?

No. The store does not ask for a school ID or enrollment letter. The tax break applies based on the item type and price, not on who buys it or what they intend to do with it. However, if an item is clearly not school-related — like a formal dress or specialty equipment — the cashier may question it.