2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holidays by State

Looking to save even more on your back-to-school shopping? A sales tax holiday can be one of the best ways to stretch your budget.

Many states offer a tax-free shopping weekend—or even an entire tax-free week—allowing families to purchase qualifying school items without paying state sales tax. Depending on where you live, you may be able to save on school uniforms, clothing, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, calculators, laptops, and other classroom essentials.

To make planning easier, I've compiled every 2026 back-to-school sales tax holiday below. States are listed in alphabetical order along with the exact dates, eligible products, and spending limits.

Shopping Tip: Popular back-to-school items often sell out before tax-free weekends begin. If your favorite retailer offers price matching or price adjustments, you may be able to combine sale prices with your state's tax holiday for even bigger savings.

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Alabama

Tax Holiday: July 17–19, 2026

• Books priced $30 or less

• Clothing priced $100 or less

• Computers, computer software, and school computer supplies priced $750 or less

• School supplies priced $50 or less

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Arkansas

Tax Holiday: August 1–2, 2026

• Clothing priced under $100

• Clothing accessories and equipment priced under $50

• Student electronic devices (no price limit)

• School supplies and instructional materials (no price limit)

• Applies to both state and local sales tax

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Connecticut

Tax Holiday: August 16–22, 2026

• Clothing, footwear, and backpacks priced under $300

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Florida

Tax Holiday: August 1–31, 2026

• Clothing, footwear, wallets, and qualifying bags priced $100 or less

• School supplies priced $50 or less

• Learning aids and puzzles priced $30 or less

• Personal computers and related accessories priced $1,500 or less

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Iowa

Tax Holiday: August 7–8, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced under $100

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Maryland

Tax Holiday: August 9–15, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced $100 or less

• The first $40 of qualifying backpacks and bookbags is tax free

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Massachusetts

Tax Holiday: August 8–9, 2026

• Most retail items for personal use priced $2,500 or less

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Mississippi

Tax Holiday: July 10–12, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced under $100

• Qualifying school supplies priced under $100

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Missouri

Tax Holiday: August 7–9, 2026

• Clothing priced $100 or less

• Personal computers and peripherals priced $1,500 or less

• Computer software priced $350 or less

• Graphing calculators priced $150 or less

• School supplies priced $50 or less

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New Mexico

Tax Holiday: July 31–August 2, 2026

• Clothing, footwear, and accessories priced under $100

• Backpacks and bookbags priced under $100

• Computers priced up to $1,000

• Computer accessories priced up to $500

• Handheld calculators priced under $200

• School supplies priced under $30

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Ohio

Tax Holiday: August 7–9, 2026

• Clothing priced $75 or less

• School instructional materials priced $20 or less

• School supplies priced $20 or less

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Oklahoma

Tax Holiday: August 7–9, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced under $100

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Puerto Rico

Tax Holidays: January 2–3, 2026 and July 12–13, 2026

• School uniforms

• School supplies

• Qualifying instructional materials

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South Carolina

Tax Holiday: August 7–9, 2026

• Clothing

• School supplies

• Computers

• Backpacks

• Bedding and dorm room essentials

• Most qualifying items have no price limit

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Tennessee

Tax Holiday: July 31–August 2, 2026

• Clothing

• School supplies

• Computers

• Price limits apply

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Texas

Tax Holiday: August 7–9, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced under $100

• School backpacks priced under $100

• Eligible school supplies priced under $100

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Virginia

Tax Holiday: August 7–9, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced $100 or less

• School supplies priced $20 or less

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West Virginia

Tax Holiday: July 31–August 3, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced $125 or less

• Laptops and tablets priced $500 or less

• School instructional materials priced $20 or less

• School supplies priced $50 or less

• Sports equipment priced $150 or less

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Before You Shop

✔ Check your state's list of qualifying items before heading to the store.

✔ Many online purchases also qualify for the sales tax holiday if the order meets your state's requirements.

✔ Price limits generally apply per item, not your total purchase.

✔ Combine tax-free shopping with retailer coupons, clearance sales, cashback offers, and rewards programs to maximize your savings.

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Source: Avalara, 2026 Sales Tax Holidays Guide. Tax holiday dates and qualifying items are subject to change. Always verify details with your state's Department of Revenue before shopping.

New Girls Bermuda Shorts from French Toast

The updated Girls Bermuda short by French Toast is is an instant classic on warm-weather days. This knee-length short is crafted with a comfortable and durable cotton blend stretch twill fabric and features functional front & back pockets. The adjustable waist helps her get a secure and comfy fit.

Features:

• Cotton Blend Twill
• Stretch, Comfort That Lasts
• Adjustable Waist, The Best Fit & Room For Them To Grow
• Non-Functional Horn Button With Hook & Bar Closure On Waistband
• Functional Fly with Zipper Closure
• Front Slash Pockets
• Back Welt Pockets
• Knee Length
• Functional Belt Loops

Fabric and Care: 

• 98% COTTON, 2% ELASTANE. 
• Machine Wash Cold With Like Colors. 
• Only Non Chlorine Bleach When Needed. 
• Tumble Dry Low. 
• Warm Iron If Needed.

Sizing:

• Youth 4-20, 
• Plus 10 1/2 plus to 20 1/2 plus
• Women’s 2-22

Regular Price

 $15.98 - $19.98

For a limited time you can use this Uniform Mom affiliate link for 30% off Polos & Shorts.

Elderwear Long Sleeve Polo, a Review

Affiliate Links in Use

Thank you for supporting Uniform Mom

Elderwear Girls "Ribbed Cuff"
Long Sleeve Knit Polo
$9.99 at CookieKids

Recently Cookies Kids offered me the chance to review a few products.  I jumped on the opportunity to check out an Elderwear brand polo.  They sent me an Elderwear Girls "Ribbed Cuff" Long Sleeve Knit Polo to use as the basis of this review. 

When it comes to kids polos for school, many of the mast market brands are similar in price and quality. But there are a few outliers.  One of those outliers is Elderwear.  It is a brand that I have only come across a handful of times.  I've seen their uniform items only at a local boutique that specializes in school uniforms for the private schools in my area.  The price of their items is noticeably higher than mass market brands.

This Elderwear knit polo features long sleeves, a narrow button placket, slit sides, and ribbed cuffs.  It is 60% cotton and 40% polyester.  This long sleeve polo is a much heavier fabric than lower priced polos from other brands.  This is a nice feature in a long sleeve polo that is more likely to worn alone during the colder months of the year, as opposed to a lightweight polo worn under a jumper or sweater.

In our area, the weather just turned cool this week.  My daughter had a chance to try out the new polo and said it was comfortable to wear.  This weekend, it took a trip through the laundry cycle.  I wash her whites on warm and tumble dry low.  I might iron the polo for picture day or the annual holiday assembly, but for everyday, it looked fine right out of the dryer.

It is regularly priced at $28.99, but Cookie Kids offers this quality polo at the everyday price of only $9.99. I would definitely recommend this polo.  The Elderwear quality at a CookieKids price is a great combination. CookieKids also carries the Elderwear Girls Short Sleeve Pique Polo, but not the boys versions.

Demin for Back to School at Crazy 8

Uniform Mom was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and Uniform Mom will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking a link in this post.


Crazy 8 is having a great sale right now on denim for Back to School.

For girls, Crazy 8 has 3 basic styles: skinny, jeggings and bootcut. Each style is available in dark and medium washes.

These Skinny Jeans are described as "slimmest through hip, thigh & leg opening" and are made from 78% cotton/21% polyester/1% spandex. Reviewers love these for their slim daughters and granddaughters. But don't dismiss them as just for the skinniest girls because they come in slim, regular and plus size fits.

Reviewers with the skinniest kids love the Denim Jeggings which are 3% spandex and described "super skinny through hip & leg".  And for those that don't groove on the skinny leg style, you cant go wrong with the classic  Bootcut Jeans instead.


For boys, Crazy 8 has 5 styles: straight leg, bootcut, rocker, loose, and pull-on.  Each style is available in dark, medium and some are available in gray and black washes.

The Rocker Jeans is 100% cotton and slim through hip, thigh & leg opening. The Straight Jeans fit straight through hip & leg and have a straight leg opening. The Bootcut Jeans sit just below waist, slim through hip & thigh, bootcut leg opening.  If your son prefers a relaxed leg opening, try the Loose Jeans. All of these styles are available in slim, regular and husky fits.

All of these jeans retail for $19.88 but for a limited time, all denim are on sale for $8.88.  It is great deal, so stock up for Back to School Season.

Boys Double Knee Pants from French Toast

Uniform Mom is an affiliate partner with French Toast. If you use these links and decide to make a purchase,
I receive a small commission. 

Update - This post was updated in May 2019 with new links, pricing and color options.



Are you looking for quality flat front pants for everyday school wear for your son?  Check out the Double Knee Pant with the Workwear Finish.

• First, they are made from Wrinkle No More fabric which is great because really, who loves ironing?  
• Second, they have the Power Knee (TM) fabric to prevent against knee blowouts.  
• And third, they have an adjustable waist so you can modify the fit as your child grows during the school year.

The price is right at $21.98. The French Toast brand items are carried by many different retailers making it easy to find them on sale.   The sizing starts as small as a boys size 4 going through a size 20.  Regular boys sizes also include slim and husky options, and now they have a young mans sizing up to size 38 waist.  They are only offered in 7 different colors including the basics of navy and khaki.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook or @navyplaid on Twitter for coupons.

8 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid with Back to School Shopping

The idea to start this site was hatched as a Mom of a Kindergartner trying to figure out the what, where, & when of school shopping for a kid required to wear uniforms to school.  Since then, I've learned quite a bit about the brands, the retailers, and the trends.  Here is my list of Rookie Mistakes to Avoid for Back to School Shopping so you can avoid these errors and enjoy a stress free school shopping season.

Waiting Until Last Minute

The shopping season for school uniforms at major retailers begins at the beginning of July.  While that seems early, it's not.  If you try to wait until closer to the start of the school year, you will find that the styles and sizes are picked over, or worse, out of stock.  For the best selection, shop in July. More retailers carry school uniform clothing items at this time of year, even if they don't offer them year-round, which gives you more options.  At many retailers, I've seen the best prices of the season during July. The Uniform Mom Best Bets series recommends the target price that you can realistically expect to find quality uniform clothing items. During peak Back to School shopping season, you can find items at bargain basement prices at discount retailers and even the retailers known for the highest quality are known to discount their uniform items 40% or more.

Overlooking the Uniform Exchange Program

I bet your school has a uniform exchange program or uniform locker where you can get school uniform basics secondhand for a fraction of the retail cost, or even for free.  Ask the other Moms in the neighborhood or post a question on the school message board.  As fast as kids grow, you will be surprised to find quality items like new, or even some new with tags.  Be sure to check out Uniform Mom's tips for shopping uniform consignment events.  You can also check out the online consignment stores, such as Swap.com.  You won't find uniform items tagged or sorted easily, but filter down by brands, color and size to find options available.  

Failing to Know the Tax Free Holiday in your State

Many states offer break from sales tax for a weekend or even for a full week on items needed for school such as clothing, shoes and school supplies. According to the 2017 National Retail Federation's Annual Back to School Survey, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average $687.72 each.  Shopping during this holiday can save you an extra few percent on your Back to School haul.  Each summer, Uniform Mom publishes a list of tax free holidays in each state.

Waiting until Fall to Shop for Long Sleeve Polo Tops

When it is the middle of July, it is easy to overlook the long sleeve polo shirts hanging on the back to school display.  However, long sleeve polos are harder to find the longer you wait in the school year. (you can read about my hunt for the long sleeve polo here). By October, the retailers that don't carry uniforms year round are running out certain colors and sizes. Just save yourself the headache, and pick up at least 2 long sleeve polos during the peak Back to School shopping season.

Buying School Shoes too Early

One year, I picked up a pair of Mary Janes early in the Back to School season.  When my daughter put them on for the first day of school, she had already outgrown them.  I sent her to school wearing her PE shoes instead while I had to scramble that day to return them and find her hew ones that fit. ( I'd recommend you plan to hit the show stores about 2 weeks before school starts. You need to take the kids with you so they can get a proper measurement for sizing.

Buying the Cheap Shoes

Once.  Only once did I get my daughter a pair of school shoes at a discount retailer.  Basically, they lasted a week and I was out shopping again.  Shoes are probably the most expensive item on your back to school shopping list (okay at least while they are young), but spend the extra money to buy a pair of school shoes made with leather uppers.  Most shoe stores recommend you buy kids new shoes in a half size larger than the child's actual shoe size.  If they are over due for a growth spurt, you may be able to go up a full size with thicker socks, as long as the shoes aren't sliding around on their heels.  Once you find a quality shoe, it should last until the end of the school year or until they outgrow them.

Forgetting the Basics and the Accessories

Because of all of the Back To School clothing sales, it is a great time to stock up on basics like new underwear, undershirts, or bras.  But don't forget that your child might also need a new belt, tights, undershorts, or hair accessories.

Failing to Subscribe to the Uniform Mom Report Card

Each week, Uniform Mom lists the latest sales and coupon codes on schools clothing at major uniform retailers in the US.  If you're not already a subscriber, sign up so you always know what's on sale at each retailer and have a coupon code handy.

Photo Credit: For really #Big #Mistakes ...  Nadia Santoya. Licensed under Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0.

(CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Aeropostale

Aeropostale is a specialty retailer with over 500 stores in the US.  They sell apparel and accessories targeting the 16 - 22 year old shopper.  They also carry basic school uniform items for tweens and teens.  Their website makes it easy to find the items as they are grouped under boys and girls in the navigation menu as "uniform".

The girls uniform collection includes short sleeve polo shirts in 10 different colors and the long sleeve polo in 5 colors.   The sizing ranges from an XS through a XXL.  Basic Bermuda shorts and pants are offered in khaki, black and navy. The girls pants are offered in a skinny twill style as well as a traditional straight leg style.  Even better, they offer the pants in regular and a curvy fit. A straight skirt is offered in 2 lengths, 15 and 19 inch.

The boys uniform collection includes short sleeve polo shirts in 8 different colors and the long sleeve polo in 5 colors.   They also have a v neck cardigan sweater in 4 colors. The boys alpha sizing in the tops ranges from X Small to 3X Large. Guys shorts, called long-board shorts, are offered in 7 colors including uniform basics of khaki, black and navy. The boys pants are offered in 2 styles: a slim cut straight leg pant with a flat front or a straight leg chino style.