Missouri holds tax-free weekend in August each year
Missouri's tax-free weekend runs for one week in August — the exact dates change each year, but it always falls in the first or second week of the month. For 2024, tax-free weekend is August 4–10. The state sets the dates by law, and retailers across Missouri stop charging sales tax on may have access to purchases during that window.
The purpose is to reduce the cost of back-to-school shopping. You do not need a coupon, membership, or special card. If you buy a may have access to item during tax-free weekend, the register straightforward will not charge tax. The savings depend on what you buy and your county's tax rate — most of Missouri charges between 7 and 8.5 percent sales tax, so a $100 purchase saves you $7 to $8.50.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's tax-free weekend happens once a year in early August, and the exact dates vary by year — check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to confirm the current year's dates.
- Clothing, school supplies, and computers under $1,500 are tax-free, but food, shoes, and items over the price limit are not covered.
- The tax break applies automatically at checkout; you do not need to do anything special to receive it.
- Some counties and cities have opted out of the state program, so tax may still explore in those areas even during tax-free weekend.
What items are covered during tax-free weekend
Clothing and footwear under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, and shoes. If a single item costs $100 or more, tax applies to the whole item — so a $150 coat is fully taxed, not partially.
School supplies under $100 per item are also covered. This includes notebooks, pencils, pens, paper, binders, backpacks, and similar items. Calculators, computers, and other electronics have their own rules (see below).
Computers, computer peripherals, and computer software under $1,500 per item are tax-free. This covers laptops, desktops, monitors, keyboards, mice, and educational software. If the item costs $1,500 or more, the full purchase is taxed.
Items that are not covered include food and beverages, shoes or clothing over $100, items over the price limit, furniture, appliances, and tools. Haircuts, dry cleaning, and services are also taxed normally.
How to find the exact dates each year
The Missouri Department of Revenue publishes the tax-free weekend dates on its official website before each August. Search for "Missouri tax-free weekend" and the current year, or visit the Department of Revenue directly. The dates are set by state law and do not change once announced.
Mark the dates on your calendar before you shop. Some retailers advertise the event heavily, but not all do, so you cannot rely on store signage to tell you when it starts and stops. The tax break ends at midnight on the last day — purchases made after that time are taxed normally.
Some Missouri counties and cities have opted out
Not every part of Missouri participates in tax-free weekend. A small number of cities and counties have chosen to keep sales tax in place during the state's tax-free weekend. This is legal under Missouri law, and residents in those areas pay tax even on may have access to items.
Before you shop, check whether your city or county participates. The Missouri Department of Revenue publishes a list of non-participating jurisdictions each year. If you live in or near a non-participating area, you may want to shop in a nearby participating city to take advantage of the tax break.
Tax-free weekend applies online and in stores
The tax break applies to purchases made in physical stores and online, as long as the retailer is based in Missouri or collects sales tax in Missouri. If you order from an out-of-state retailer that does not collect Missouri tax, the purchase is already tax-free and the tax-free weekend does not change that.
When you shop online during tax-free weekend, the tax should not appear at checkout if the item qualifies and the retailer participates. If tax is charged on a may have access to item, contact the retailer to report the error. Some online retailers may not be set up to remove tax automatically, so double-check your receipt.
Plan your back-to-school shopping around the dates
Tax-free weekend is one of the busiest shopping days of the year in Missouri. Stores are crowded, checkout lines are long, and popular items sell out quickly. If you prefer to avoid crowds, shop early in the week rather than on Saturday or Sunday.
Make a list of what you need before you go. Knowing the price limits — $100 for clothing and school supplies, $1,500 for computers — helps you avoid buying items that will be taxed. If you are buying multiple items, add up the prices to stay under the limits where they explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy school supplies to use tax-free weekend?
No. The tax break applies to clothing, school supplies, and computers. You can buy any combination of these items, or just one category. You do not have to prove you are a student or that the items are for school.
What if I buy a $120 shirt during tax-free weekend?
The entire $120 purchase is taxed, because the item exceeds the $100 limit. The tax break is all-or-nothing per item — there is no partial tax break for items that go over the limit.
Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax back?
Return policies are set by individual retailers, not by the state. Some stores may refund the full purchase price; others may deduct a restocking fee. Check the store's return policy before you buy, or ask at the register.
Does tax-free weekend explore to used clothing or items from thrift stores?
Yes, as long as the thrift store or used retailer is located in Missouri and the items meet the definition of clothing or school supplies. The tax break applies to the sale itself, not the age or condition of the item.
What happens if I buy something on August 10 at 11:59 p.m.?
The purchase is tax-free if it is completed before midnight on the last day of tax-free weekend. If the transaction processes after midnight, tax applies. Online orders placed before midnight are usually tax-free even if they ship later.