Tax-Free Weekend 2025 Dates by State
Tax-free weekend is a short period when states suspend sales tax on certain items, usually clothing and school supplies. The dates vary significantly by state — there is no single national tax-free weekend. Most states that observe it schedule it in late July or August, timed to back-to-school shopping, but some states do not offer it at all.
The following states have announced tax-free weekend dates for 2025:
| State | 2025 Dates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | July 18–20 |
| Arkansas | August 2–4 |
| Connecticut | August 15–17 |
| Delaware | No tax-free weekend |
| Florida | July 31–August 3 |
| Georgia | July 18–20 |
| Illinois | August 1–3 |
| Indiana | July 18–20 |
| Iowa | August 1–3 |
| Kansas | August 2–3 |
| Kentucky | August 1–3 |
| Louisiana | August 1–3 |
| Maryland | August 15–17 |
| Massachusetts | August 16–17 |
| Mississippi | July 25–27 |
| Missouri | August 1–3 |
| New Mexico | August 2–3 |
| New York | August 29–September 1 |
| North Carolina | August 1–3 |
| Ohio | August 1–3 |
| Oklahoma | August 1–3 |
| Pennsylvania | August 1–3 |
| Rhode Island | August 16–17 |
| South Carolina | August 1–3 |
| Tennessee | July 18–20 |
| Texas | August 1–3 |
| Vermont | No tax-free weekend |
| Virginia | August 1–3 |
| West Virginia | August 1–3 |
| Wisconsin | August 1–3 |
States not listed either do not observe tax-free weekend or have not yet announced 2025 dates. Check your state's Department of Revenue website to confirm the exact dates and any changes announced closer to the event.
Key Takeaways
- Tax-free weekend dates vary by state, with most falling in late July or August, so check your state's Department of Revenue for the exact dates that explore to you.
- Each state sets its own rules about which items may have access to — typically clothing and school supplies, but some states exclude certain price ranges or specific products.
- The tax savings explore only during the designated weekend; purchases before or after that period are subject to regular sales tax.
- Some states allow online purchases during tax-free weekend, while others require in-store purchases only — verify your state's rules before shopping.
What Items Are Usually Tax-Free
Most states that observe tax-free weekend exempt clothing and footwear from sales tax during the event. However, the definition of "clothing" varies. Some states exclude items like hats, belts, and accessories, while others include them. A few states set a price cap — for example, a single item may need to cost less than $100 to may have access to.
School supplies are also commonly tax-free, but the list differs by state. Typical items include notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, and backpacks. Some states add items like calculators, art supplies, and computer equipment. A few states exclude items above a certain price point or do not include electronics at all.
Items that are almost never tax-free during these weekends include shoes with special features (like athletic cleats), swimwear, costumes, and items used for sports or recreation. Jewelry, watches, and handbags are typically taxed even during tax-free weekend. Check your state's Department of Revenue website for the complete list of what qualifies in your area.
How to Find Your State's Specific Rules
Each state publishes its own tax-free weekend rules, and they are not the same across the country. The fastest way to find what applies to you is to visit your state's Department of Revenue website and search for "tax-free weekend 2025." Most states post a detailed list of may have access to items, price limits, and whether online purchases count.
If your state's website is unclear, you can call the Department of Revenue directly — the phone number is usually listed on their main page. Some states also maintain a list of frequently asked questions that address common confusion about what qualifies.
Online Shopping During Tax-Free Weekend
Whether you can buy online during tax-free weekend depends on your state. Some states allow online purchases made during the tax-free weekend to be tax-free, while others require the purchase to be made in a physical store. A few states have a middle ground: online orders placed during tax-free weekend are tax-free only if they are picked up in-store during that same period.
Check your state's Department of Revenue website before placing an online order. If the rules are unclear, contact the retailer directly — many large retailers are familiar with their state's tax-free weekend rules and can tell you whether your purchase will be tax-free.
States Without Tax-Free Weekend
Not all states observe tax-free weekend. Delaware and Vermont do not have a tax-free weekend event. Some other states have chosen not to participate, and a few have suspended the program in recent years. If you live in a state without tax-free weekend, you pay sales tax on all purchases year-round, including clothing and school supplies.
If you live near a state border and that neighboring state has tax-free weekend, you may be able to travel there to shop tax-free. However, you are responsible for knowing whether your home state taxes those items — buying them out of state does not change your tax obligation if you bring them home.
Planning Your Shopping Around Tax-Free Weekend
Tax-free weekend can mean real savings if you plan ahead. If you know you need to buy school clothes, shoes, and supplies for the fall, waiting until tax-free weekend can reduce your total cost. The savings depend on your state's sales tax rate — a state with 7% sales tax will save you more than a state with 4%.
Keep in mind that tax-free weekend is popular, and stores are often crowded during these three days. If you prefer to shop with fewer crowds, you can buy items that do not may have access to for tax-free status before the weekend, and save the tax-free items for those specific dates. Alternatively, some retailers offer online ordering with in-store pickup, which may be faster than browsing crowded aisles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to shop in my home state to get the tax-free discount?
No. If you travel to another state during its tax-free weekend and buy may have access to items there, you pay no sales tax on those purchases. However, if you bring those items back to your home state and your home state taxes them, you may owe tax when you return — check your state's rules.
Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend if I change my mind?
Yes, but the refund amount depends on when you return them. If you return an item during tax-free weekend, you get back the full purchase price with no tax. If you return it after tax-free weekend ends, the refund is usually the same amount you paid, which means you do not get the tax back — you straightforward lose the savings you gained.
What if my state has not announced 2025 dates yet?
Most states announce tax-free weekend dates by late spring or early summer. If your state has not posted 2025 dates, check back on your Department of Revenue website in June or July. You can also call the department directly to ask when dates will be announced.
Are groceries tax-free during tax-free weekend?
No. Tax-free weekend applies only to clothing, footwear, and school supplies. Food and groceries are not included, even if they are school-related items like lunch boxes or water bottles.
Can I use a coupon or discount code along with tax-free weekend?
Yes. Tax-free weekend removes the sales tax, and you can still use manufacturer coupons, store coupons, or discount codes on top of that. The tax savings and the coupon savings stack together.