2026 Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekends: State-by-State List

Planning to tackle your back-to-school shopping? One quick stop here could save your family money.

Back-to-school shopping isn't cheap.

Between backpacks, shoes, lunch boxes, school supplies, calculators, headphones, and the clothes your kids somehow outgrew overnight, it's easy to spend hundreds of dollars before the first bell even rings.

That's why it's worth checking whether your state has a 2026 back-to-school tax-free weekend (also called a sales tax holiday) before you head to the store.

Some states offer just a weekend. Others give families an entire week — or even a month — to shop without paying sales tax on qualifying items.

The catch? Every state has different dates, eligible items, and price limits.

Here's what you need to know before you shop.

A quick note: We've verified this list using official state tax and revenue agencies, but tax holidays, qualifying items, and purchase limits can change. Before you shop, we recommend checking your state's official tax or revenue website to confirm the current rules and eligible items.

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Why Isn't My State on the List?

If you don't see your state above, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll pay sales tax on everything you buy for back-to-school season. Some states take a different approach by offering year-round exemptions instead of a limited tax-free weekend.

• Pennsylvania: Most everyday clothing and footwear are exempt from sales tax year-round, but school supplies and many other back-to-school items are still taxable.
• New Jersey: Most clothing and footwear are tax-free year-round. School supplies and certain other items may still be taxable.
• Minnesota: Most clothing is exempt from sales tax all year, although accessories, sports equipment, and some specialty items are taxable.
• Vermont: Most clothing purchases are exempt from sales tax year-round.
• Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon: These states do not have a statewide sales tax, so there is no need for a separate back-to-school tax holiday. (Some local sales taxes may apply in parts of Alaska.)

Because sales tax rules can change and exemptions vary by item, it's always a good idea to check your state's revenue department before making large back-to-school purchases.

States Not Offering a 2026 Back-to-School Tax Holiday

The following states and Washington, D.C., do not currently offer a statewide back-to-school sales tax holiday in 2026. Some, however, provide year-round clothing exemptions or have no statewide sales tax, as noted above: 

What Usually Qualifies for Tax-Free Shopping?

Every state is different, but qualifying items often include:

• Clothing
• Shoes
• Backpacks
• School supplies
• Art supplies
• Computers and tablets
• Computer accessories
• Calculators
• Instructional materials

Many states also set price limits for each item, so be sure to check your state's rules before shopping.

A Few Shopping Tips Before You Go

• Check your state's dates. Many holidays last only one weekend.
• Know the price limits. An item that's just a few dollars over the limit may not qualify.
• Online purchases often count, but the order usually must be placed during the tax-free period.
• Make your school supply list first. A tax-free weekend is only a bargain if you're buying what you actually need.

If your state offers a back-to-school tax-free weekend in 2026, it's worth planning your shopping around it.

A little planning could mean extra money left over for classroom wish list donations, after-school activities… or maybe just that first-day-of-school coffee you've definitely earned.

Note: This article was researched and drafted with the assistance of AI using information from official state tax and revenue agencies. It was reviewed and edited by Macaroni KID editors for accuracy and clarity before publication. Because tax laws and sales tax holidays can change, always verify current details with your state's official tax or revenue department before making purchases.