During a tax-free weekend (also known as a sales tax holiday), certain items can be purchased without paying sales tax. The specific items and limits vary by state, but commonly included are:
- Clothing and footwear sold for less than $100 per item.
- School supplies and backpacks priced under certain limits.
- Computers and tablets up to a certain price.
- Accessories and some other categories depending on the state.
For example, in Texas for the 2025 tax-free weekend, most clothing, footwear, backpacks, and school supplies sold for less than $100 per item are tax-free. You do not need an exemption certificate for these purchases. Items sold above these thresholds or outside the tax-free period do not qualify.
Other states have similar rules with variations in eligible items and price limits, such as:
- Alabama exempts clothing under $100, computers under $750, school supplies under $50.
- Connecticut exempts clothing and footwear under $100.
- Tennessee exempts clothing under $100, school supplies under $100, and computers under $1,500.
- South Carolina exempts clothing, accessories, shoes, school supplies, backpacks, and computers with no maximum price in some cases.
- West Virginia exempts clothing under $125, school supplies under $50, and laptops and tablets under $500.
The common theme is tax exemption is offered on clothing, footwear, school supplies, and sometimes computers, with price limits that vary by state. The tax-free benefit usually lasts for a specific weekend or week. If you want details for a specific state or upcoming tax-free weekend, I can provide more tailored information.
