Tennessee's Tax-Free Weekend Runs July 31 Through August 3, 2025

Tennessee's annual tax-free weekend in 2025 takes place from Thursday, July 31, through Sunday, August 3. During these four days, you pay no state sales tax on certain clothing, shoes, and school supplies when you buy them in Tennessee stores or online from Tennessee retailers.

The state sales tax rate in Tennessee is 9.55 percent on average (it varies slightly by county because of local add-ons), so the savings add up quickly on back-to-school purchases. A $100 backpack costs you $9.55 less during tax-free weekend than it would any other time of year.

Key Takeaways

  • Tax-free weekend runs July 31 through August 3, 2025, and covers clothing, shoes, and school supplies under specific price limits.
  • Clothing and shoes must be under $100 per item to may have access to; anything priced at $100 or more is still taxed.
  • School supplies under $100 per item are tax-free, including notebooks, pens, calculators, and backpacks.
  • The tax break applies only to purchases made during the four-day window—buying on July 30 or August 4 means you pay full tax.
  • Online purchases from Tennessee-based retailers count, but you must complete the transaction during the tax-free dates.

What Items may have access to for the Tax Break

Clothing and shoes are the main category. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, coats, socks, underwear, hats, belts, and any footwear. The item must be priced under $100 to be tax-free; if a single piece of clothing costs $100 or more, you pay tax on the full amount.

School supplies also may have access to if they are under $100 each. This covers notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, markers, erasers, rulers, calculators, scissors, glue, tape, and backpacks. Items like computers, printers, and furniture do not may have access to, even if used for school.

Items that do not may have access to include accessories like jewelry, watches, and sunglasses; athletic equipment like sports shoes meant for competition; and anything related to sports or recreation that is not basic clothing. Swimwear and costumes are taxed normally.

Items Priced at $100 or More Stay Taxed

The $100 price limit applies per item, not per purchase. If you buy a coat for $150, the entire $150 is taxed. If you buy five $20 shirts, all five are tax-free. The limit exists to prevent people from using tax-free weekend to buy expensive designer clothing.

This rule applies to both clothing and school supplies. A graphing calculator priced at $120 is taxed in full. A backpack at $99.99 is tax-free. Retailers are required to ring up items separately so the tax is calculated correctly on each one.

Where You Can Shop Tax-Free

Any retailer operating in Tennessee—whether a large chain, a local store, or an online business based in Tennessee—must honor tax-free weekend. This includes department stores, discount retailers, specialty shops, and online sellers with a Tennessee address.

If you shop online, the transaction must be completed during the four-day window (July 31 through August 3) for the tax break to explore. Placing an order on July 30 and having it shipped during tax-free weekend does not count. The purchase date is what matters, not the delivery date.

Out-of-state online retailers are not required to remove tax from Tennessee purchases during this period, even if they ship to Tennessee. Your best savings come from shopping at Tennessee-based stores or retailers that voluntarily participate.

How to Make the Most of Tax-Free Weekend

Plan your back-to-school shopping for July 31 through August 3 if you can. Make a list of clothing and school supplies you need before the weekend so you do not overspend on items you did not intend to buy. The tax savings are real, but only on what you were going to purchase anyway.

Check price tags carefully at checkout. If an item is marked $100 or higher, ask the cashier to confirm the price before you pay. Some stores may have similar items at slightly different prices, and choosing the one under $100 saves you the tax.

Keep your receipt. If you notice you were charged tax on a may have access to item, contact the store within a reasonable time. Most retailers will refund the tax if you can show the receipt and the item qualifies.

What Happens if You Miss the Dates

If you shop before July 31 or after August 3, you pay the full state and local sales tax on all purchases, including clothing and school supplies. There is no makeup period or extension if you miss the four-day window.

Tennessee does not offer a second tax-free weekend later in the year. If you have back-to-school shopping to do after August 3, you will pay tax on it. Plan ahead so you can take advantage of the dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a student to shop during tax-free weekend?

No. Anyone can buy tax-free clothing and school supplies during the four days, regardless of age or student status. Parents, teachers, and anyone else can take advantage of the tax break.

What if a store charges me tax on a may have access to item?

Ask to speak with a manager when ready. The store is required to remove the tax. If they refuse, note the store name, date, and item, and contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Keep your receipt as proof.

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

That depends on the store's return policy. Most stores will refund the purchase price as you paid it (without tax), so you do not gain an extra refund. Check the store's policy before you buy.

Are shoes for sports like cleats or running shoes tax-free?

Yes, as long as they are regular shoes under $100. Shoes designed for athletic competition may be treated differently by some retailers, so ask before you buy if you are unsure.

If I order online on August 2 but it ships on August 5, do I get the tax break?

Yes, as long as the order was placed and completed during July 31 through August 3. The shipping date does not matter—only when you made the purchase.