Sales tax holidays provide savings on back-to-school items
As the back-to-school season approaches, families across the country can take advantage of sales tax holidays to save on essential items.
ABC News' Alexis Christoforous reported last month that school supplies cost nearly 25% more than they did just four years ago, and consumers spent a record $14.2 billion during July's two-day Amazon Prime Day shopping event.
This year, many states are offering tax-free periods for school-related purchases, according to the Federation of Tax Administrators.
These holidays provide a welcome relief for parents looking to stretch their dollars further on clothing, shoes, electronics and school supplies.
"Check if your state is one of about 20 having a tax-free shopping weekend or time period this summer," Christoforous said. "That's a good time to save on pricier items like shoes and computers. Just do a web search for tax-free holidays in your state to find out if and when they're happening."
For more information on specific items covered and spending limits, visit the Federation of Tax Administrators website
According to the National Retail Federation, the majority of back-to-school shoppers have already begun purchasing school items.
"The back-to-school and college season is an important time for retailers and consumers," National Retail Federation Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen said in an official press release.
"Families and students are eager to get a jumpstart on their shopping for the start of the school year. Retailers have anticipated this early demand and are well-positioned to offer a variety of products at competitive prices."
Christoforous also highlighted other ways to save, including "Walmart pricing hundreds of its back-to-school items at under 10 bucks and new this year" and Kohl's offering major discounts on Levi's denim.
Consumers can expect more sales on back-to-school items through Labor Day.
States offering sales tax holidays
Arkansas: Aug. 3-4
What's tax-free: Clothing and shoes that are $100 or less per item, clothing accessories that are $50 or less per item, and school supplies and electronic devices used for school.
Connecticut: Aug. 18-24
What's tax-free: Clothing and footwear less than $100.
Florida: July 29 - Aug. 11
What's tax-free: School supplies that are $50 or less per item; clothing, footwear, accessories that are $100 or less per item; computers and related accessories that are $1,500 or less; learning aids and jigsaw puzzles that are $30 or less.
Iowa: Aug. 2-3
What's tax-free: Clothing and footwear less than $100.
Maryland: Aug. 11-17
What's tax-free: Clothing, footwear and accessories that are $100 or less per item. The first $40 of a backpack or bookbag purchase is tax-free.
Massachusetts: Aug. 10-11
What's tax-free: Eligible retail items bought for personal use costing $2,500 or less (not limited to school supplies).
Missouri: Aug. 2-4
What's tax-free: Clothing that is $100 or less per item; school supplies that are $50 or less per item; computers less than $1,500 and computer software that is $350 or less; computer peripheral devices that are less than $1,500; and graphic calculators that are $150 or less.
New Mexico: Aug. 2-4
What's tax-free: Clothing or shoes that are $100 or less per item; desktop, laptop, tablets or notebook computers that are less than $1,000 and related computer hardware that is less than $500 per item; school supplies that are less than $30 per item.
Ohio: Aug. 2-4
What's tax-free: Ohio's tax-free holiday has been expanded to 10 days and is not limited to school-related supplies. The tax-free period includes anything that is considered tangible personal property that is $500 or less, except watercraft, anything with an outboard motor that must be titled, a motor vehicle, alcohol, tobacco, a vapor product or a product that contains marijuana. Dine-in meals, which are usually taxed, are also tax-free if they are less than $500.
Oklahoma: Aug. 2-4
What's tax-free: Clothing and footwear less than $100.
South Carolina: Aug. 2-4
What's tax-free: Clothing, shoes and accessories; school supplies; computers; printers; earbuds and headphones; and certain bed and bath items and diapers.
Texas: Aug. 9-11
What's tax-free: Clothing and shoes that are $100 or less per item; backpacks that are $100 or less per item; facemasks; and school supplies that are $100 or less per item.
Virginia: Aug. 2-4
What's tax-free: Clothing and shoes that are $100 or less per item, and school supplies that are $20 or less per item.
West Virginia: Aug. 2-5
What's tax-free: Clothing that is $125 or less per item; laptop or tablet computers that are $500 or less per item; school instruction materials that are $20 or less per item; school supplies that are $50 or less per item; and sports equipment that is $150 or less per item.
