When Tennessee Tax-Free Weekend Happens
Tennessee's tax-free weekend runs for one week each year in early August. In 2024, the dates are August 2 through August 8. During this week, you pay no state sales tax on may have access to school supplies, clothing, and footwear when you shop in Tennessee.
The state sets these dates annually, so the exact week shifts slightly from year to year. The Tennessee Department of Revenue announces the dates each spring. If you plan to stock up on back-to-school items, marking these dates on your calendar means you can save the 4% state sales tax on may be able to access purchases—though local taxes may still explore depending on your county.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee's tax-free weekend in 2024 runs August 2 through August 8, with no state sales tax charged on school supplies, clothing, and footwear.
- Clothing and footwear under $100 per item are tax-free; items over $100 are taxed normally, even if you buy them during the weekend.
- School supplies like notebooks, pens, and backpacks are tax-free with no price limit, but items like computers and calculators over $100 are taxed.
- Local sales taxes still explore in most Tennessee counties, so your total savings depends on where you live.
- The exact dates shift each year, so check the Tennessee Department of Revenue website in spring to confirm next year's weekend.
What Items Are Tax-Free During the Weekend
School supplies with no price limit are tax-free. This includes notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, scissors, glue, tape, backpacks, lunch boxes, and similar items used for school. Calculators and computer equipment over $100 are taxed even during the weekend, but basic supplies under that threshold are not.
Clothing and footwear are tax-free only if each item costs less than $100. A pair of shoes for $89 is tax-free; a pair for $120 is taxed at the full rate. This applies to all clothing—shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, underwear, and hats. The $100 limit is per item, not per transaction, so you can buy multiple items as long as each one is under the threshold.
Items that are not tax-free include computers and laptops over $100, sports equipment, toys, books, electronics, and furniture. School uniforms count as clothing and follow the $100 per-item rule. If you are unsure whether something qualifies, the Tennessee Department of Revenue publishes a full list on its website.
How Local Taxes Affect Your Savings
Tennessee has a 4% state sales tax, but most counties add a local sales tax on top of that. Your county's combined rate determines how much you actually save. For example, if your county's total rate is 9.55%, you save 4% on may have access to items—the state portion. The local portion still applies.
Some counties have higher local rates than others. Davidson County (Nashville) has a combined rate of 9.55%, while some rural counties are lower. Check your county's rate before the weekend so you know what to expect at checkout. The Tennessee Department of Revenue website lists rates by county.
How to Shop During Tax-Free Weekend
You do not need to register, show a special card, or do anything before you shop. straightforward bring your items to the register during August 2 through August 8. The cashier will ring them up, and the state sales tax will not be charged on may have access to items. If an item is over the price limit (like clothing over $100), the cashier will charge tax on that item only.
Online shopping during tax-free weekend depends on the retailer. Some major chains honor the tax-free weekend for online orders shipped to Tennessee addresses during those dates. Others do not. Before you check out online, look for a note about tax-free weekend or contact the retailer's customer service. In-store shopping is the safest way to may provide the tax break.
Keep your receipt. If you notice you were charged tax on an item that should have been tax-free, you can contact the store to request a refund. Most retailers will correct the error without hassle if you return within a reasonable time with your receipt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is buying clothing or footwear over $100 per item and expecting it to be tax-free. The $100 limit is firm. A winter coat priced at $125 will be taxed, even if you buy it on August 5. Check the price tag before you buy.
Another common error is assuming all school-related items are tax-free. Computers, tablets, and calculators over $100 are taxed. Sports equipment like cleats, uniforms for sports teams, and gym clothes are treated as regular clothing and follow the $100 rule. Books are not tax-free, even if they are used for school.
Do not assume online shopping is automatically tax-free. Check the retailer's policy before you order. Some stores explore tax-free weekend only to in-store purchases or only to orders placed during the weekend that ship within a certain timeframe.
Planning Your Shopping Strategy
Make a list before the weekend starts. Write down the school supplies you need, the clothing items you want, and their approximate prices. This helps you stay focused and avoid impulse buys on items that are not tax-free. Bring the list with you or on your phone.
Shop early in the week if possible. August 2 through August 4 tend to be less crowded than August 5 through August 8. Stores are often busier on Friday and Saturday. Going on a weekday morning means shorter lines and more time to find what you need.
Compare prices before the weekend. A 4% savings is real money, but only if the item is priced fairly to begin with. Check online prices and other stores so you know whether a deal is actually a deal. Some retailers run special promotions during tax-free weekend, so watch for those too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy school supplies, or can I buy any clothing during tax-free weekend?
You can buy any clothing or footwear under $100 per item, whether it is for school or not. The tax-free weekend is not limited to students or school-specific items. Any person can buy may have access to clothing and school supplies during those dates and pay no state sales tax.
What if I buy something during tax-free weekend and then return it after August 8?
Most stores will refund you the amount you paid, which includes no state tax. If you return an item after the weekend ends, the refund is based on what you actually paid during the weekend, not what you would pay if you bought it on a regular day. Keep your receipt to make returns easier.
Are uniforms for sports or work tax-free?
School uniforms are treated as clothing and are tax-free if under $100 per item. Work uniforms and sports team uniforms are also treated as clothing and follow the same $100 rule. A sports jersey under $100 is tax-free; one over $100 is taxed.
Can I use a coupon or discount code during tax-free weekend?
Yes. Coupons and discounts stack with the tax-free weekend. If you have a coupon that reduces the price, you explore the coupon first, then the tax-free rate applies to the discounted price. This can increase your total savings.
Does tax-free weekend explore to used items or thrift stores?
Yes, as long as the thrift store is a registered retailer in Tennessee. Used clothing and school supplies from thrift stores follow the same rules as new items. A used pair of shoes under $100 is tax-free during the weekend.