Tax-Free Holidays Bring Much-Needed Financial Relief For Back-To-School Shoppers
From kids in kindergarten to high school seniors to non-traditional college students, they are all in need of school supplies before the first day of class. Some states give them and their parents a “break” from paying taxes on items that are considered necessary to their education. Whether you need to buy scissors and glue for Johnny, a notepad and pencils for Sue, or a laptop and software for yourself—you will get more bang for your buck if you do your shopping during these special tax-free “holidays.” Especially if your state gives you a tax break on buying big-ticket items like electronics, computers, apparel, and even shoes. Check out the fine details on your state’s website as some even include furniture and household goods.
Acceptance Customers Can Save Big During Sales Tax Holidays In These States
Since it is up to each state to decide how their tax holiday will work, the sale dates are different for each one. Some have set the holiday for a weekend, others for a week or more. Each state also has a different sales tax percentage amount, and they all have very specific items that either are or are not included in their tax holiday. Click on the link from the list below to check out the specific details on your state’s website before you go shopping!
ALABAMA
July 15-17
https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/sales-use/sales-tax-holidays/The Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on the third Friday in July and ends at midnight on the following Sunday.
FLORIDA
July 25-August 7
https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool/Florida’s tax-free savings lasts for two whole weeks, including both weekends!
ILLINOIS
August 5–14
https://dhjj.com/tag/tax-holiday/For 10 days in August, the tax rate on clothes and school supplies will be reduced from by 5%. For instance, if the regular tax is 6.25%, it will be reduced to 1.25%.
MISSISSIPPI
July 30-31
https://www.dor.ms.gov/sites/default/files/Sales%20Folder/2022%20Sales%20Tax%20Holiday.pdfNo Taxes on supplies that costs less than $100. That’s a single item priced under $100–not your total purchase.
OHIO
August 5-7
https://tax.ohio.gov/help-center/faqs/sales-and-use-tax-sales-tax-holiday/sales+and-use-tax-sales-tax-holidayThe Ohio sales tax holiday happens each year on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of August. Think of it as Ohio’s back-to-school tax-free weekend or the Ohio tax-free holiday. Either way, it’s an opportunity to keep some money in the bank!
SOUTH CAROLINA
August 5-7
https://dor.sc.gov/taxfreeweekendA press release from the South Carolina Department of Revenue reminds shoppers that “eligible items can be purchased online and in-store without paying the state’s 6% Sales Tax and any applicable local taxes during South Carolina’s Sales Tax Holiday.”
TENNESSEE
July 29-31
https://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday.htmlTennessee’s tax-free holiday on clothing, school supplies, and computers begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 29and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 31. During this time clothing, school supplies, and computers may be purchased tax-free. This includes state and local taxes on these personal-use items, which means some residents can save up to 10% on their purchases!
TEXAS
August 5-7
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/The annual Texas tax free weekend for back-to-school shopping is the first weekend in August. This is a chance to pocket the sales tax on most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks that cost less than $100. Unlike some other states, Texas does NOT include computers in its non-taxable items.
Spend Less Money and Less Time By Shopping Online
Remember that eligible items are still tax-free if you shop online! Check with your retailer to see if they offer online shopping, delivery, or curbside pick-up. For those that don’t, it might still be possible to shop for their items online and pick them up at the store closest to you. Big-box stores often run back-to-school sales during these holidays to encourage more people to make purchases, so look for additional savings and discounts to get the best price. Online coupons and rebates are another way to save. Websites that let you comparison shop can help speed up your search, giving you some free time to enjoy the last few days of summer before classes start!
Acceptance Can Help You Save Even More
We hope this helps you find the best prices on everything your gang needs to kick off the school year. And remember, Acceptance Insurance can also help you save even more with our no-hassle, FREE quotes on insurance coverage. Call, click, or come by today and let one of our friendly agents do a no-cost review of your policies.
Protect the belongings you bought with your hard-earned money, as well as keep your loved ones safe, with a plan customized just for you. We’ve partnered with some of the industry’s most recognized and top-rated carriers to give you more options and more ways to compare and save. At Acceptance, we shop for you!
DISCLAIMER
Acceptance Insurance does not provide tax advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. Material in these articles is for general information or entertainment purposes only. Acceptance Insurance does not endorse and is not affiliated with any of the companies or apps listed in this article. Acceptance Insurance is not responsible or liable for the availability of links to websites or resources, or for any content, advertising, products, services or other materials on or available through these websites or resources. Any references to third party rates or products are subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners.
DISCLOSURE
Each state has its own sales-tax laws, and some discount rates are greater than others. Be sure to click on the URL for your state to find out the specifics of your tax-free holiday. This blog only includes information on states with Acceptance Insurance store locations. For a list of all tax-free holidays in the U.S., visit https://www.taxadmin.org/2022-sales-tax-holiday.
