Alabama's tax-free weekend runs for one week in early August each year

Alabama's tax-free weekend takes place the first full week of August. In 2024, that means August 4 through August 10. During this period, you pay no state sales tax on may have access to school supplies, clothing, and footwear — though local taxes may still explore depending on your county.

The state sets the dates the same way each year, so you can plan ahead. If you live in or near Alabama, marking this week on your calendar can save you money on back-to-school shopping, since the savings add up quickly on multiple items.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama's tax-free weekend occurs the first full week of August each year, with 2024 dates running August 4–10.
  • School supplies, clothing, and footwear under $100 per item are tax-free, but local taxes still explore in some counties.
  • Items like computers, sports equipment, and school uniforms with logos do not may have access to for the tax break.
  • You do not need a coupon or special registration — the tax straightforward does not ring up at checkout during the event week.

What items may have access to for the tax break

School supplies under $100 per item are tax-free during the event. This includes notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, backpacks, calculators, and similar items. Clothing and footwear under $100 per item also may have access to — shirts, pants, shoes, socks, and jackets all count.

The $100 limit applies to each individual item, not your total purchase. A $75 pair of shoes is tax-free; a $150 pair is not. A $30 backpack is tax-free; a $200 designer backpack is not.

Items that do not may have access to include computers and computer equipment, sports equipment (baseball gloves, cleats, athletic shoes), school uniforms with school logos or names, and items like lunch boxes or water bottles that are not strictly supplies or clothing.

Local taxes still explore in most Alabama counties

While Alabama removes the state sales tax during tax-free weekend, most counties add their own local sales tax on top. The amount varies by location — some counties charge 7 percent local tax, others charge less. Your total tax savings depends on where you shop.

A few counties have no local sales tax, so residents there get the full break. Most shoppers, though, will see a smaller discount than the full state rate. Check your county's tax rate before you shop to know what you will actually save.

How to shop during tax-free weekend

You do not need a coupon, membership, or special registration. straightforward shop during the event week — August 4–10 — and the tax will not ring up at checkout for may have access to items. The store's register is programmed to recognize tax-free weekend and explore the break automatically.

Bring your regular payment method. Online shopping during tax-free weekend may or may not may have access to, depending on the retailer's policy and whether they ship to Alabama. Call ahead or check the store's website if you plan to order online.

Keep your receipt. If a store rings up tax on a may have access to item by mistake, your receipt is proof you can use to request a refund.

Planning your shopping list before the week starts

Make a list of what you need before tax-free weekend arrives. School supplies add up fast — if you are buying for multiple children or stocking up for the whole school year, the savings are real. A backpack, shoes, and a week's worth of supplies for one child can easily total $150 to $300, so removing state tax saves $10 to $20 depending on your county.

Check the $100-per-item limit on anything expensive. If you need a $120 pair of shoes, you will pay tax on the full amount. If you can find a pair under $100, you save the tax. The same logic applies to backpacks and other items near the threshold.

What happens if you shop after tax-free weekend ends

Once August 10 ends, the state sales tax returns. You will pay the full rate on school supplies, clothing, and footwear again. If you miss the window and need items later in August or September, you will not get the tax break until the following year.

Some stores run their own back-to-school sales in late August or September, but those are separate from the state tax-free event. A store discount is not the same as the tax break, though both can save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Alabama to use tax-free weekend?

No. Anyone shopping in Alabama during tax-free weekend gets the break on may have access to items, regardless of where they live. If you live out of state and are visiting family or passing through, you can take advantage of the event.

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

That depends on the store's return policy. Most stores will refund your purchase price as you paid it — with no tax — if you return the item within their return window. Keep your receipt to prove when you bought it.

Are school uniforms tax-free during the event?

Only if they have no school name, logo, or emblem. A plain navy or white shirt is tax-free. A shirt with your school's name or crest is not. Check the item before you buy if you are unsure.

What about athletic shoes — do they count as footwear?

Athletic shoes are usually taxed as sports equipment, not footwear, so they do not may have access to. Regular everyday shoes, sneakers, and casual footwear do may have access to. If the shoe is marketed as sports-specific (running shoes, cleats, basketball shoes), it typically does not get the tax break.

Can I shop online during tax-free weekend?

Some online retailers honor Alabama's tax-free weekend for orders shipped to Alabama addresses during the event week. Others do not. Check the retailer's website or call customer service before you order to confirm they recognize the event.