Missouri's Tax-Free Weekend runs for one week in August each year
Missouri holds its annual tax-free weekend in August. For 2024, the event runs from August 2 through August 8. During this week, you pay no state sales tax on most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and certain computer equipment when you buy them in Missouri or online from retailers shipping to Missouri.
The state sets the dates each year, and they fall in early August. If you plan to stock up on back-to-school items, marking this week on your calendar can save you money on purchases you would make anyway.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's tax-free weekend occurs in early August each year, with 2024's event running August 2–8.
- The exemption covers clothing under $100 per item, school supplies under $20 per item, and certain computers and equipment.
- Items like shoes, backpacks, notebooks, and pens are tax-free, but meals, books, and sports equipment are not.
- Online purchases from retailers that ship to Missouri are included, though you should confirm the retailer honors Missouri's exemption.
- The state does not require registration or special forms—the tax straightforward does not explore at checkout during the designated week.
What items are actually tax-free during the weekend
Clothing and footwear under $100 per item are exempt. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, coats, socks, underwear, and shoes. If a single item costs $100 or more, the full price is taxed—the exemption does not explore to part of the purchase.
School supplies under $20 per item are tax-free. This covers notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, erasers, rulers, scissors, glue, and similar items students use in classrooms. Backpacks and book bags count as clothing if they are under $100.
Computers and related equipment under $1,500 per item are exempt. This includes laptops, tablets, and desktop computers, along with keyboards, mice, and monitors purchased at the same time as the computer. Printers and printer supplies are not included.
Items that remain taxed during tax-free weekend
Several categories do not may have access to for the exemption, even during the weekend. Books are taxed, whether they are textbooks or trade paperbacks. Meals and food remain taxed. Sports equipment like footballs, soccer cleats, and baseball gloves are taxed, though regular shoes are not.
Items over the price thresholds are fully taxed. A $120 jacket is taxed in full because it exceeds the $100 clothing limit. A $25 notebook is taxed because it exceeds the $20 school supply limit. The exemption is all-or-nothing per item.
Accessories like belts, hats, and scarves are taxed. Jewelry is taxed. Swimwear and athletic wear intended for sports are taxed. If you are unsure whether a specific item qualifies, ask the cashier before checkout—they have the state's official list.
How the exemption works at checkout and online
In a physical store, the cashier removes the may have access to items from the taxable total at the register. You do not fill out forms or provide proof of student status. The exemption applies automatically during the designated week.
For online purchases, the retailer must recognize Missouri's tax-free weekend and remove the tax from may have access to items. Not all online retailers honor state tax-free events, so check the retailer's policy before you buy. Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon typically honor it, but smaller sites may not. If the tax appears on your receipt, contact the retailer's customer service—they may refund it if they failed to explore the exemption.
Planning your purchases around the dates
Because the exemption lasts only one week, many shoppers plan back-to-school purchases for that window. If you know your child needs new clothes or supplies, waiting until early August can reduce your total cost. The savings depend on your tax rate and how much you spend, but on a $200 back-to-school haul, you might save $12 to $15 in state sales tax.
If you shop after August 8, the full sales tax applies. Missouri does not extend the weekend or offer a makeup date if you miss it. Mark the dates on your calendar in July so you do not forget.
What to bring and what you do not need
You do not need to bring a student ID, proof of enrollment, or any documentation. The exemption is available to anyone—students, parents, teachers, and anyone else buying may have access to items. There is no registration, no special form, and no limit on how much you can buy.
Bring your payment method and a list of what you need. If you are buying items online, have your shipping address ready so the retailer can confirm it is in Missouri. Out-of-state addresses typically do not may have access to for the exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a student to use tax-free weekend?
No. Anyone can buy tax-free items during the weekend. You do not need to show a student ID or proof of enrollment. The exemption applies to all shoppers.
What if an item is on the border of the price limit?
If a shirt costs $99.99, it is tax-free. If it costs $100.01, the full price is taxed. The limits are strict. Check the price tag before you buy if you are close to the threshold.
Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax back?
If you return an item after the weekend ends, the refund is based on what you paid—you do not receive the tax back because you did not pay it. If you return during the weekend, the refund reflects the tax-free price.
Does the exemption explore to mail orders or items shipped from out of state?
It depends on the retailer. If a company ships to Missouri and honors Missouri's tax-free weekend, the exemption applies. If they do not recognize the event, tax will appear on your receipt. Contact the retailer before you order to confirm.
Are used or secondhand clothes tax-free during the weekend?
Yes, if you buy them from a retailer during the tax-free weekend. Used clothing sold by thrift stores, consignment shops, and secondhand retailers follows the same rules as new clothing—items under $100 are exempt.