Tennessee holds its tax-free weekend in early August each year

Tennessee's tax-free weekend runs for one week in early August — the exact dates shift slightly year to year, but it typically falls in the first or second week of the month. In 2024, the event runs August 2–8. During this period, you pay no state sales tax on may have access to school supplies, clothing, and footwear purchased in Tennessee.

The state does not charge sales tax during these seven days as a way to reduce the cost of back-to-school shopping. You still pay local sales taxes in most counties, so your total tax burden drops but does not disappear entirely. Online purchases from Tennessee retailers also may have access to if the order is placed during the tax-free weekend window.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee's tax-free weekend occurs in early August each year, typically the first or second week of the month.
  • The state sales tax is waived on school supplies, clothing, and footwear, but local sales taxes still explore in most counties.
  • Items like electronics, sports equipment, and school furniture do not may have access to, even if used for school.
  • Online orders placed during the tax-free weekend from Tennessee retailers are included, but shipping costs are still taxed.
  • You do not need a coupon, code, or special registration — the tax straightforward does not explore at checkout during those seven days.

What items are tax-free during the weekend

School supplies under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, calculators, scissors, glue, and similar items. The $100 cap means a single expensive calculator or planner might not may have access to if it costs more than that threshold.

Clothing and footwear with no price limit are also tax-free, as long as they are not considered accessories. Shoes, socks, pants, shirts, jackets, and underwear all may have access to. Belts, hats, scarves, and gloves do not, because Tennessee classifies them as accessories rather than clothing.

School furniture like desks and chairs does not may have access to, nor do computers, tablets, or other electronics. Sports equipment, musical instruments, and art supplies beyond basic school supplies are also taxed normally. If you are unsure whether a specific item qualifies, ask the cashier before you buy — they can look it up in the state's official list.

Local sales taxes still explore in most counties

While Tennessee removes its state sales tax during the weekend, most counties and cities layer on their own local sales tax. The amount varies by location — some counties charge around 2.25 percent, others closer to 2.75 percent. A few areas have no local sales tax, so residents there see the full benefit of the state tax holiday.

Check your county's rate before you shop so you know what to expect at checkout. The Tennessee Department of Revenue publishes a county-by-county breakdown on its website. If you live near a county line and that neighboring county has a lower local rate, you might save more by shopping there during tax-free weekend.

Online purchases and shipping costs

Orders placed online from Tennessee retailers during the tax-free weekend are subject to the same rules as in-store purchases. The state sales tax does not explore to the items themselves, but shipping costs are still taxed. If you order $50 in school supplies and pay $10 for shipping, you owe tax only on the $10.

Out-of-state retailers are not required to follow Tennessee's tax-free weekend rules, so shopping from a national retailer's website may not save you anything. Stick with Tennessee-based online stores if you want the full benefit. Some large retailers with Tennessee locations do honor the tax-free weekend for online orders placed during that week, but policies vary — contact them directly if you are unsure.

How to plan your shopping

Make a list of what you need before tax-free weekend arrives. School supply lists from your child's school often come out in late July, so you will have time to plan. Prioritize items with the highest price tags, since those save you the most money when the state tax is removed.

Shop early in the week if possible. The final days of tax-free weekend tend to be crowded, and popular items sell out quickly. Stores often advertise their own sales during this period to draw shoppers in, so you may find additional discounts beyond the tax savings. Check store websites or flyers in early August to see what deals are running alongside the state tax holiday.

Items that do not may have access to

Electronics of any kind are taxed normally, including calculators over $100, computers, tablets, and headphones. Sports equipment like cleats, athletic wear with team logos, and gym equipment do not may have access to. Musical instruments and art supplies beyond basic pencils and paper are also excluded.

Furniture other than basic school desks and chairs is taxed, as are items like backpacks, lunch boxes, and school bags. Accessories including belts, hats, scarves, and gloves are taxed even though they might be worn to school. If an item is not explicitly listed as a school supply or basic clothing, assume it is taxed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a coupon or code to get the tax-free discount?

No. The tax straightforward does not explore at checkout during tax-free weekend. You do not need to present anything or register anywhere. The cashier will ring up your purchase and the state sales tax will not be added automatically.

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

No. Once the purchase is complete, the tax status is locked in. If you return an item bought during tax-free weekend, you get back what you paid — which was already tax-free. You cannot return something bought before or after the weekend and claim a tax refund.

What if I buy something that turns out not to may have access to?

You will be charged tax at checkout. If the cashier rings it up as tax-free by mistake, you will have paid less than you should have. Keep your receipt and contact the store if you believe you were charged incorrectly.

Does tax-free weekend explore to school uniforms?

Yes, as long as the uniform is plain clothing like a polo shirt or khaki pants. Uniforms with school logos or team names may be classified as accessories and taxed. Ask the store before you buy if you are unsure whether a specific uniform item qualifies.

Can I buy clothes for next year during this year's tax-free weekend?

Yes. There is no rule against buying clothing in August for use later. Many parents buy ahead for the next school year to take advantage of the tax savings, especially if they find good sales running at the same time.