Back-to-school tax holidays 2025: Save on supplies, clothing and more

Find out if your state is on the list.

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.

Here's a look at what to expect in 2025

  • Alabama kicks off early, running from 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 families 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.
  • Not all states participate. Many, including New York, California, Delaware, Illinois and others, do not offer a back-to-school tax holiday, so shoppers in those areas may need to look for savings elsewhere.

    "Consumers save the amount of the state's sales tax rate, which typically ranges from 4% to 10%," Worley explained.

    For a full list of participating states, eligible items, and spending caps, visit the Federation of Tax Administrators website.

    States offering sales tax holidays

    Alabama: July 18-20

    Arkansas: Aug. 2-3

    Connecticut: Aug. 16-22

    Florida: Aug. 1 - Aug. 31

    Iowa: Aug. 1-2

    Maryland: Aug. 9-15

    Massachusetts: TBA

    Mississippi: TBA

    Missouri: TBA

    New Mexico: TBA

    Ohio: First Friday, Saturday and Sunday of August each year, if a budget surplus exists. Exact dates TBA.

    Oklahoma: Aug. 1-3

    South Carolina: Aug. 1-3

    Tennessee: Aug. 1-3

    Texas: Aug. 8-11

    Virginia: Aug. 1-3

    West Virginia: Aug. 1-4