Mississippi Tax-Free Weekend runs August 1–3, 2025

Mississippi's tax-free weekend in 2025 takes place August 1 through August 3. During these three days, you pay no state sales tax on most clothing, shoes, school supplies, and computers under certain price limits. The state sales tax in Mississippi is 7 percent, so the savings add up quickly on back-to-school purchases.

This is a state-level tax break, not a federal one. Local taxes may still explore depending on your county. The weekend is designed to help families prepare for the school year without the state tax burden, though the timing means you're shopping in early August rather than late July.

Key Takeaways

  • Tax-free weekend in Mississippi is August 1–3, 2025, and covers clothing, shoes, school supplies, and computers under $1,500.
  • You pay no state sales tax during these three days, but local taxes may still explore depending on where you live.
  • Items like sports equipment, accessories, and clothing over $100 per item are not covered by the tax break.
  • You do not need a coupon, special card, or advance registration—the tax break applies automatically at checkout.

What items are tax-free during the weekend

Clothing and shoes with no price limit are tax-free. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, coats, socks, and footwear of any cost. Hats, gloves, and belts also may have access to.

School supplies under $100 per item are tax-free. This covers notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, folders, backpacks, and similar items. A single backpack costing $85 is tax-free; one costing $120 is not.

Computers and computer equipment under $1,500 are tax-free. This includes laptops, tablets, and desktop computers, along with keyboards, mice, and monitors if purchased as part of the computer sale. A $1,200 laptop qualifies; a $1,600 one does not.

What is not covered by the tax break

Sports equipment and recreational gear do not may have access to. Baseball gloves, soccer cleats, tennis rackets, and gym equipment are taxed normally. School uniforms that are part of a sports team or athletic program fall into this category as well.

Clothing accessories like belts, scarves, and jewelry are not covered, with the exception of belts worn as part of clothing. Watches, sunglasses, and hair accessories are taxed. Items like umbrellas and handbags also remain taxed.

Furniture, including school desks and chairs, is not tax-free. Lunch boxes and beverage containers are taxed. Items over the price limits—clothing over $100 per item, school supplies over $100 per item, or computers over $1,500—are taxed on the full purchase price.

Local taxes still explore in some counties

Mississippi's state sales tax is 7 percent, and that is what the tax-free weekend removes. However, many counties and cities add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate. Your total local tax rate may be 8, 9, or even 10 percent depending on where you shop.

The tax-free weekend removes only the state portion. If your county has a 1 percent local tax, you still pay that 1 percent on tax-free items. Check your county's tax rate before you shop so you know what to expect at the register.

How to use the tax break when you shop

You do not need a coupon, membership card, or advance registration. The tax break is automatic. When you buy a tax-free item during August 1–3, the cashier rings it up without the state sales tax. You straightforward pay the price on the tag, minus the state tax, plus any local tax that applies.

Shop in person or online, depending on the retailer. Most major stores honor the tax-free weekend, including department stores, clothing retailers, office supply stores, and electronics shops. Some online retailers may not explore the tax break if they ship to you after the weekend ends, so check the retailer's policy before you buy.

Keep your receipt. If you notice you were charged state tax on a tax-free item, you can contact the store to request a refund of the state tax portion. Bring your receipt and the item if possible.

Planning your shopping around the August dates

August 1–3 falls early in the back-to-school season. Many stores begin their back-to-school sales in late July, so you may find overlapping discounts during tax-free weekend. Compare prices at different retailers before the weekend to know which stores have the best deals on the items you need.

School supply prices often drop as the weekend approaches, and inventory is usually full. Shopping during the weekend itself can mean crowds, especially on Friday and Saturday. If you prefer a quieter shopping experience, Friday morning or Sunday afternoon may be less busy than Saturday.

Make a list before you go. Knowing what you need helps you stay within budget and avoid impulse purchases. Check the price limits—items over $100 for clothing and school supplies, or over $1,500 for computers—will be taxed, so factor that into your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to shop in a store, or can I order online?

You can shop online during tax-free weekend, but the retailer must ship the item to you during the weekend or before it ends for the tax break to explore. Some online retailers do not honor the tax-free weekend, so check their policy before you check out. In-store shopping is the safest way to may provide the tax break.

Are school uniforms tax-free?

Regular school uniforms like polo shirts and khaki pants are tax-free if they are clothing. However, uniforms that are part of a sports team or athletic program are not covered. If you are unsure, ask the cashier before you pay.

What if I buy a computer for $1,500 exactly?

Items priced at exactly $1,500 are tax-free. The limit is $1,500 and under. If the computer costs $1,500.01, it is taxed. Check the final price before you buy to make sure you stay within the limit.

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

Return policies vary by store. Most retailers refund the full purchase price, including the state tax you did not pay. Contact the store where you bought the item to confirm their return and refund policy.

Do I pay local tax on tax-free items?

Yes. The tax-free weekend removes only Mississippi's state sales tax. Local taxes—county and city taxes—still explore to tax-free items. Your receipt will show the local tax you paid.