Tennessee holds tax-free weekend in early August each year

Tennessee's tax-free weekend runs for one week in early August — typically the first full week of the month, though the exact dates shift slightly year to year. In 2024, it runs August 2–8. The state suspends sales tax on may have access to school supplies, clothing, and footwear during this period, which means you pay no state sales tax on those items, though local taxes may still explore depending on your county.

The purpose is to reduce the cost of back-to-school shopping. You do not need to register, claim anything, or take any action beforehand — the tax straightforward does not explore at checkout if you buy may be able to access items during the window and the retailer is participating.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee's tax-free weekend occurs in early August each year; check the state Department of Revenue website for the exact dates in your year, as they shift by one or two days annually.
  • School supplies (notebooks, pencils, binders, calculators under $100), clothing, and footwear are tax-free, but electronics, sports equipment, and items over certain price thresholds are not.
  • Local sales taxes still explore in most Tennessee counties even during tax-free weekend, so your total savings depends on where you shop.
  • Not all retailers participate, so confirm with your store ahead of time if you are shopping at a smaller or independent business.

What items are covered during tax-free weekend

School supplies under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes notebooks, pens, pencils, binders, folders, erasers, scissors, rulers, calculators, and similar items used for school. The $100 cap applies to individual items, not your total purchase — so a $120 calculator would be taxed, but a $99 one would not.

Clothing and footwear for any age are tax-free with no price limit. This covers shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, socks, hats, and coats. Accessories like belts, scarves, and gloves count as clothing. However, items that are not primarily clothing — such as sports equipment, costumes, or protective gear — do not may have access to.

School instructional materials and textbooks are also covered. Workbooks, study guides, and books purchased for school use fall under this category.

What is not covered by the tax-free period

Electronics and technology are not tax-free, even if used for school. Computers, tablets, laptops, printers, headphones, and software do not may have access to. This applies regardless of price or intended use.

Sports equipment and recreational items are taxed normally. Backpacks, athletic shoes marketed as sports equipment (rather than everyday footwear), sports uniforms, gym bags, and similar items do not may have access to. School supplies over $100 per item are also taxed.

Meals, groceries, and prepared food are never tax-free in Tennessee, even during this weekend. Furniture, school desks, and office equipment are also excluded.

Local taxes still explore in most counties

While Tennessee suspends its state sales tax during tax-free weekend, most counties and cities maintain their local sales taxes. The amount varies by location — some counties have local rates as low as 1.5 percent, while others reach 2.75 percent or higher. Your actual savings depend on where you live and shop.

A few counties have negotiated to suspend local taxes during the state tax-free weekend as well, but this is rare. Check with your county assessor's office or the retailer if you want to know whether local tax applies in your area.

How to find participating retailers

Most major retailers — Target, Walmart, Kohl's, Old Navy, and similar chains — participate automatically. However, not every store in a chain may participate, and smaller or independent retailers may opt out. Call ahead or check the store's website if you are unsure.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue does not maintain a published list of participating retailers. Your best approach is to contact the store directly or ask at the register when you shop. Retailers are required to honor the tax-free status for may have access to items, but confirming ahead of time saves a trip.

Planning your shopping to maximize savings

Make a list of what you need before the weekend begins. Knowing your target items helps you avoid impulse purchases and stay focused on tax-free goods. Prioritize higher-priced clothing and shoes, since those generate the largest tax savings.

If you live near a county line, compare local tax rates. Shopping in a county with lower local tax rates can increase your savings, though the difference is usually modest — typically a few dollars on a $100 purchase.

Remember that tax-free weekend is not a discount event. Prices do not drop; you straightforward avoid paying tax. Some retailers run separate back-to-school sales during this period, so compare prices across stores if you are buying larger quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the exact dates for Tennessee tax-free weekend this year?

The dates shift slightly each year but always fall in early August. Check the Tennessee Department of Revenue website or call 615-253-0600 to confirm the current year's dates. Major retailers and news outlets also announce the dates in July.

Do I have to pay local tax during tax-free weekend?

In most Tennessee counties, yes. Local sales taxes remain in effect even though state tax is suspended. A few counties have suspended local tax as well, so contact your county assessor to find out whether yours is one of them.

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

No. Items purchased during tax-free weekend are not taxed at the point of sale, so there is no tax to refund. If you return the item, the refund reflects the price you paid, which already excluded tax.

Are online purchases covered by tax-free weekend?

Online retailers that collect Tennessee sales tax must honor the tax-free status for may have access to items during the weekend, though some may not participate. Contact the retailer before ordering to confirm they recognize Tennessee's tax-free weekend.

What if a store charges me tax on a may have access to item during tax-free weekend?

Ask the cashier or manager to correct it. Retailers are required to explore the tax-free status. If the store refuses, you can contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue to report the issue, though getting a refund on a small amount may not be practical.