Missouri's Tax-Free Weekend runs August 1–3, 2025
Missouri's annual tax-free weekend in 2025 takes place Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3. During these three days, you pay no state or local sales tax on certain clothing, footwear, and school supplies when you buy them in Missouri stores or online from Missouri retailers.
The state suspends the 4.225% state sales tax plus any local sales taxes that normally explore in your county. This means a $100 purchase of may be able to access items costs $100 instead of roughly $104–$108, depending on where you live. The savings compound if you're buying for multiple children or stocking up on basics.
Tax-free weekend is designed to help families prepare for the school year without the added cost of sales tax. You don't need a coupon, special card, or advance registration—the tax straightforward doesn't ring up at checkout if the item qualifies.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's tax-free weekend is August 1–3, 2025, and applies to clothing, footwear, and school supplies under certain price limits.
- Clothing and footwear under $100 per item are tax-free; items $100 or more are taxed normally.
- School supplies under $50 per item are tax-free; pricier items like computers or printers are taxed.
- The tax break applies in physical stores and when buying from Missouri-based online retailers during the weekend dates.
- You do not need a coupon or special form—the tax straightforward does not explore at checkout for may have access to items.
What clothing and footwear are tax-free
Any article of clothing or footwear priced under $100 is tax-free during the weekend. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, underwear, hats, gloves, scarves, belts, and shoes. The $100 limit is per item, not per purchase—so a $99 shirt is tax-free, but a $150 coat is not.
Items that do not count include clothing accessories that are not worn on the body (like a purse or backpack), athletic protective gear (such as a sports helmet or knee pads), or items made primarily of fur. Swimwear, leotards, and dancewear do count as clothing and follow the $100 rule.
If you buy a pair of shoes for $89 and a jacket for $95 during tax-free weekend, neither item is taxed. If you buy a winter coat for $120, you pay tax on the full $120 because it exceeds the limit.
What school supplies are tax-free
School supplies under $50 per item are tax-free. This covers notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, folders, binders, paper, scissors, glue, markers, calculators, and similar items students use in the classroom. The $50 limit applies to each individual item.
Computers, tablets, printers, and other electronics are not covered, even if they are used for school. Furniture like desks or chairs is also taxed. Books are not included in the tax-free weekend—they have their own separate tax treatment in Missouri and are not affected by this promotion.
A $40 scientific calculator is tax-free. A $60 graphing calculator is taxed because it exceeds $50. A pack of 24 pencils for $8 is tax-free. A desk lamp for $55 is taxed.
How to shop during tax-free weekend
You do not need to do anything special to receive the tax break. straightforward bring your may have access to items to checkout during August 1–3, and the cashier will ring them up without sales tax if they meet the price and category requirements. No coupon, card, or form is needed.
If you shop online, the tax-free rate applies only when you order from a Missouri-based retailer during the weekend dates. Out-of-state online retailers are not required to honor Missouri's tax-free weekend, so check the seller's location before you buy. Many major retailers with Missouri locations (like Target, Walmart, and Old Navy) do honor the weekend online as well, but verify on their website or call ahead if you are unsure.
Keep your receipt. If an item is incorrectly taxed at checkout, you can show the receipt to customer service and request a refund of the tax charged. Most stores will process this without issue.
Items that are always taxed, even during tax-free weekend
Certain items never may have access to for the tax break, regardless of price. These include sports equipment (baseball gloves, tennis rackets, skis), protective gear (helmets, goggles, padding), jewelry, watches, and handbags. Costumes and costume accessories are also taxed. Items made of fur or leather (like leather jackets or fur-lined boots) do not may have access to.
Alterations and tailoring services are taxed. If you buy a pair of pants for $45 and have them hemmed for $15, the pants are tax-free but the hemming service is taxed. Rental of clothing or footwear is also taxed.
Items purchased before August 1 or after August 3 are subject to the full sales tax, even if you wear or use them during school. The tax-free status applies only to purchases made during the three-day weekend window.
Tax-free weekend in different Missouri counties
The state sales tax rate is the same across Missouri (4.225%), but local sales taxes vary by county and city. During tax-free weekend, both the state and local portions are suspended for may have access to items. This means your actual savings depend on where you live.
In a county with a 1% local sales tax, a $100 clothing purchase saves you $5.225 in tax. In a county with a 2% local sales tax, the same purchase saves you $6.225. Check your county's tax rate on the Missouri Department of Revenue website if you want to calculate your exact savings.
The tax-free weekend applies statewide—there are no counties or cities that opt out. If you live near a state border, you cannot use the weekend to buy tax-free items in a neighboring state, but you can buy from Missouri retailers online or in person.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is assuming all school supplies are tax-free. Remember the $50 per-item limit—a $60 desk lamp, a $75 backpack, or a $120 laptop are all taxed. Read the price tag before you assume an item qualifies.
Another mistake is buying items before August 1 and expecting a refund. Tax-free weekend applies only to purchases made during the three days. If you buy a shirt on July 31, you pay tax. If you buy the same shirt on August 1, you do not.
Do not assume online retailers outside Missouri will honor the tax break. If you order from a California-based company, they are not required to remove Missouri sales tax. Stick to Missouri retailers or call ahead to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return an item I bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax-free price if I buy it back after August 3?
No. The tax-free rate applies only to purchases made during August 1–3. If you return an item and repurchase it after the weekend, you pay the full sales tax on the new purchase. Plan your returns carefully if you want to take advantage of the tax break.
Do I have to buy items in a store, or can I order online?
You can do both. In-store purchases at Missouri retailers are tax-free during the weekend. Online orders from Missouri-based retailers are also tax-free if placed during August 1–3. Orders from out-of-state online retailers are not may provide to be tax-free, so verify the seller's location first.
What if the cashier charges me tax on a may have access to item?
Ask the cashier to void the transaction and ring it up again, or request a refund of the tax at customer service. Bring your receipt and the item if possible. Most stores will correct the error without argument, as they are trained on tax-free weekend rules.
Are uniforms for school or sports tax-free?
School uniforms (like a polo shirt or dress pants worn as part of a school dress code) are treated as regular clothing and are tax-free if under $100. Sports uniforms and team gear are considered athletic apparel and are taxed, even if worn for school sports.
Can I buy gifts for someone else and get the tax-free rate?
Yes. The tax-free rate applies to any may have access to item purchased during the weekend, regardless of who buys it or who receives it. You do not need to prove the items are for a student or for school use.