As families prepare for the new school year, sales tax holidays provide a welcome opportunity to save on essentials such as clothing, shoes, school supplies and even electronics.
According to the Federation of Tax Administrators, many states are rolling out tax-free shopping windows, some starting as early as this weekend.
“There’s a pretty good chance you live in or near a state with a back-to-school sales tax holiday,” ABC News technology contributor Becky Worley said.
“Each state has its own rules and restrictions, and many start the back-to-school tax holidays around the first weekend of August,” Worley added.
— Alabama kicks off early, running July 18-20. Shoppers can get tax-free clothes up to $100 per item, plus computers and tablets under $750. These are “sizable savings,” Worley noted.
— Texas runs Aug. 8-10, and shoppers can save about $8 for every $100 spent, thanks to the state’s average tax rate.
— Florida offers a monthlong tax holiday throughout August.
— Connecticut will run its event Aug. 16-22.
–New Mexico and Tennessee also have tax holidays later this month.
“Consumers save the amount of the state’s sales tax rate, which typically ranges from 4% to 10%,” Worley explained.
Not all states participate. Many, including New York, California, Delaware and Illinois, do not offer a back-to-school tax holiday, so shoppers in those areas may need to look for savings elsewhere.
For a full list of participating states, eligible items and spending caps, visit the Federation of Tax Administrators website.