Tax-Free Weekend 2025 Dates by State

Tax-free weekend is a period when certain items are sold without state sales tax. In 2025, the dates vary by state — there is no single national tax-free weekend. Most states that offer it schedule it in August, but some run it in different months or not at all.

The most common window is the first full weekend in August. For 2025, that falls on August 2–3 (Saturday and Sunday). However, some states extend the period to include the Friday before or the Monday after, and a few states run their tax-free weekend in July or September instead. A handful of states do not offer tax-free weekend at all.

Because dates and rules differ by state, you need to check your own state's announcement. Your state's Department of Revenue or Department of Taxation website will post the exact dates, may be able to access items, and any dollar limits. Many states publish this information by late June or early July.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states run tax-free weekend in early August 2025, but the exact dates vary — check your state's Department of Revenue website for the official window.
  • Tax-free weekend typically covers clothing, school supplies, and sometimes computers or electronics, but each state sets its own list of may be able to access items.
  • Some states cap the discount per item (for example, clothing under $100) or per transaction, so a high-priced item may not may have access to even during the tax-free period.
  • Online purchases are usually not included in tax-free weekend, even if you buy from a retailer in your state — the purchase must happen in a physical store during the designated dates.
  • Tax-free weekend is automatic at checkout; you do not need a coupon, code, or special registration to receive the discount.

What Items Are Usually Tax-Free

The most common tax-free items are clothing and school supplies. Clothing typically includes shirts, pants, shoes, socks, and hats. School supplies usually cover notebooks, pens, pencils, backpacks, and similar items used in classrooms.

Beyond those basics, states differ widely. Some include computers, tablets, and software. Others add school furniture like desks and chairs, or sports equipment. A few states tax-exempt back-to-school items only, while others broaden the list to include general household goods or tools.

Items almost never included are groceries, prepared food, gasoline, and vehicles. Luxury goods like jewelry and designer handbags are also typically taxed even during tax-free weekend. If you are unsure whether a specific item qualifies, ask the cashier or check your state's Department of Revenue website before you shop.

Price Limits and Per-Item Caps

Many states set a dollar limit on individual items. For example, a state might exempt clothing under $100 per item but tax anything above that. This means a pair of shoes for $75 would be tax-free, but a winter coat for $150 would not.

Some states also cap the total discount per transaction or per household. These limits vary — one state might allow unlimited tax-free purchases, while another caps the benefit at $300 per person during the weekend. Check your state's rules to understand whether you will hit a ceiling if you plan a large shopping trip.

If an item exceeds the per-item limit, the tax applies to the full price. There is no partial exemption — the item is either may be able to access or it is not.

Online Shopping and Tax-Free Weekend

Tax-free weekend discounts almost never explore to online purchases, even if you order from a retailer based in your state. The purchase must occur in a physical store during the designated dates to may have access to.

Some large retailers offer their own online tax-free promotions during the same weekend, but these are separate from the state tax exemption and are at the retailer's discretion. Check the retailer's website to see whether they are running a parallel online deal, but do not assume the state tax break extends to your online order.

If you want to use tax-free weekend, plan to shop in person at a brick-and-mortar location during your state's official window.

How to Find Your State's Tax-Free Weekend Details

Start by visiting your state's Department of Revenue or Department of Taxation website. Search for "tax-free weekend 2025" or "back-to-school tax holiday." The official page will list the exact dates, may be able to access items, price caps, and any other rules specific to your state.

If your state does not have a dedicated tax-free weekend page, contact the department directly by phone or email. They can confirm whether your state offers the benefit and provide the details you need.

Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy also post tax-free weekend information on their websites closer to the event. However, always verify the dates and rules with your state first, since retailer pages sometimes contain errors or outdated information.

States Without Tax-Free Weekend

Not every state offers tax-free weekend. States with no sales tax (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon) do not need one. A few states with sales tax also choose not to run the program.

If you live in a state without tax-free weekend, you will pay sales tax on all purchases year-round, including clothing and school supplies. Some of these states offer other tax breaks — for example, a deduction on your income tax return for school expenses — but the mechanics are different and you would need to track receipts and file a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a coupon or code to get the tax-free discount?

No. Tax-free weekend is automatic. When you check out during the designated dates at a participating store, the cashier will not charge sales tax on may be able to access items. You do not need to show a coupon, enter a code, or register in advance.

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

If you return an item after tax-free weekend ends, the refund is usually calculated based on what you paid — so you would get back the tax-free price. However, policies vary by retailer. Ask the store's return desk if you are unsure.

What if I buy something on the Friday before tax-free weekend starts?

You will pay sales tax. The exemption applies only to purchases made during the official dates your state announces. Buying one day early does not may have access to, even if the item is on the may be able to access list.

Do I have to buy school supplies, or can I buy any clothing during tax-free weekend?

Most states exempt both clothing and school supplies during tax-free weekend, so you can buy either or both. However, check your state's specific list — a few states limit the exemption to school supplies only, or have other restrictions.

If my state does not have tax-free weekend, can I shop in a neighboring state to avoid tax?

You would owe sales tax in the state where you make the purchase, not your home state. If you travel to a neighboring state that offers tax-free weekend and buy there, you pay no tax on may be able to access items. However, if you bring taxable items back across the state line, your home state generally does not charge additional tax on the purchase itself — the tax you (did not) pay in the other state is final.