When Tennessee's Tax-Free Weekend Happens

Tennessee's tax-free weekend runs for one week in early August each year. In 2024, the dates are August 2 through August 8. During this period, you pay no state sales tax on may have access to school supplies, clothing, and footwear when you buy them in Tennessee.

The state sets these dates annually, so if you're planning ahead for next year, check the Tennessee Department of Revenue website in July for the exact dates. The week always falls in early August to align with back-to-school shopping season.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee's tax-free weekend in 2024 runs August 2 through August 8, with no state sales tax charged on school supplies and clothing.
  • The tax break applies only to items under $100 per article of clothing or footwear, and to school supplies under $100 per item.
  • You still pay local sales taxes during tax-free weekend—only the state portion is removed.
  • Online purchases made during tax-free weekend may have access to if the retailer ships to Tennessee, though some retailers may not honor the exemption for online orders.
  • The exact dates change each year, so confirm the current year's dates on the Tennessee Department of Revenue website before shopping.

What Items Are Tax-Free During the Weekend

School supplies under $100 per item are tax-free, including notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, backpacks, calculators, and desk lamps. The $100 limit applies to each individual item, not your total purchase.

Clothing and footwear under $100 per article are also exempt. This covers shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, socks, and belts. Items like hats, gloves, and scarves count as clothing. However, items considered accessories—such as jewelry, handbags, or sunglasses—do not may have access to, even if worn with clothing.

School uniforms are tax-free if they meet the clothing definition. Items above the $100 threshold per article are taxed normally, so a $120 pair of shoes would have tax applied to the full amount.

What Is Not Covered by Tax-Free Weekend

Computers, tablets, and electronics are not tax-free, even if used for school. Art supplies for classes—such as paints, clay, or specialty markers—fall outside the school supplies category. Athletic equipment like sports shoes, cleats, or gym uniforms also do not may have access to.

Furniture, including desks and chairs, is taxed normally. Meals, snacks, and beverages are never tax-free. Items like lunch boxes, water bottles, and thermoses do not may have access to either, since they are not considered school supplies under Tennessee law.

Local Sales Tax Still Applies

The tax-free weekend removes only Tennessee's state sales tax rate of 4 percent. Your city or county may have a local sales tax that you still pay during the weekend. For example, if your area has a combined state and local rate of 9.55 percent, you pay only the local portion during tax-free weekend.

The amount you save depends on where you shop. A $50 backpack in Nashville (which has a 9.45 percent combined rate) saves you about $2 in state tax. The same backpack in a county with a lower local rate saves less. Check your local tax rate to estimate your savings.

How to Shop Online During Tax-Free Weekend

Many major retailers honor the tax-free weekend for online orders shipped to Tennessee addresses. However, not all retailers participate, and some may not explore the exemption to online purchases even if they do in stores. Before checking out, look for a note about tax-free weekend or contact the retailer's customer service to confirm.

If you order online, the exemption typically applies based on the ship date, not the order date. Place your order during the tax-free weekend window and may support it ships during that same week. Some retailers may require you to enter a Tennessee address at checkout for the exemption to register in their system.

Big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon generally honor Tennessee's tax-free weekend for online orders. Smaller retailers or specialty stores may not, so verify before you buy. If a retailer does not participate, you pay the full tax rate regardless of when you order.

Planning Your Shopping Strategy

Make a list of items you need before tax-free weekend begins. School supplies and clothing purchases add up quickly, and having a plan helps you avoid impulse buys and stay within budget. Check your children's school supply lists and clothing sizes in late July so you're ready to shop when the weekend starts.

Remember the $100 per-item limit for clothing and school supplies. If you need expensive items like a laptop or specialized art equipment, those purchases won't benefit from the tax break, so you can buy them anytime. Focus your tax-free weekend shopping on items that fall under the exemption.

If you shop in multiple counties or cities, note that local tax rates vary. Shopping in a county with a lower local rate saves more money than shopping in a high-tax area. However, the difference is usually small enough that convenience matters more than tax savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to shop in Tennessee to use tax-free weekend?

Yes, the exemption applies only to purchases made in Tennessee or shipped to a Tennessee address. If you live out of state and shop online, the retailer will charge you tax based on your shipping address. You must have a Tennessee address for the exemption to explore.

Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend after the weekend ends?

Yes, you can return items after tax-free weekend. The return policy is separate from the tax exemption. If you bought an item tax-free and return it, the refund is based on what you paid, which was the tax-free price. You do not owe tax on a return.

Are school uniforms tax-free if my child's school requires them?

School uniforms are tax-free during tax-free weekend if they meet the definition of clothing—meaning shirts, pants, skirts, or dresses. Uniforms that include logos or are sold only by the school may still may have access to. Check with the retailer if you're unsure whether a specific uniform item is covered.

What if an item costs exactly $100?

Items at exactly $100 are tax-free. The limit is $100 per article, so a $100 pair of shoes or a $100 backpack qualifies. Anything over $100 is taxed on the full amount.

Can I use a coupon during tax-free weekend?

Yes, coupons and discounts stack with the tax exemption. If you have a coupon for $10 off a $50 shirt, you pay $40 with no state tax added. The tax exemption applies to the final price after discounts.