Updated August 02, 2010
Sales tax holidays offer consumers a chance to make tax-free purchases at designated times during the year. During these special sales tax holidays, shoppers can purchase certain exempt items without paying state sales tax (local sales taxes may still apply). Many sales tax holidays are aimed at back-to-school shoppers, while others are designed to encourage energy efficient purchases or early preparation for hurricane season.
These states have announced sales tax holidays during 2010:
- Alabama – August 6-8: Clothing selling for up to $100 per item, computers selling for up to $750, school supplies selling for up to $50, and books selling for up to $30 are all exempt from sales tax.
- Connecticut – August 15-21: Clothing and footwear selling for less than $300 per item are exempt.
- Florida – August 13-15: Clothing and books selling for $50 or less per item and school supplies selling for $10 or less per item are exempt.
- Illinois - August 6-15: During this period qualifying items can be purchased at a reduced sales tax rate of 5% less than the usual rate. Qualifying items include clothing and footwear with selling for less than $100 as well as certain school supplies.
- Iowa – August 6-7: Clothing selling for up to $100 is exempt.
- Louisiana – August 6-7: All tangible personal property selling for up to $2,500 is exempt, except for vehicles, prepared food items, and items to be used for a businesss, trade, or profession.
- Louisiana – Sep. 3-5: Firearms, ammunition, and hunting supplies are exempt.
- Mississippi – July 30-31: Clothing and footwear selling for $100 or less per item are exempt.
- Missouri – August 6-8: Clothing selling for $100 or less, computers selling for up to $3,500, computer software selling for up to $350, and up to $50 per purchase of school supplies are exempt.
- New Mexico – August 6-8: Clothing sold for less than $100 (except athletic clothing and footwear), computers selling for up to $1,000, computer accessories sold for no more than $500, and school supplies are all exempt.
- North Carolina – August 6-8: Clothing and school supplies selling for $100 or less, instructional materials selling for $300 or less, computers selling for $3,500 or less, computer supplies sold for $250 or less, and sports equipment selling for $50 or less are exempt.
- North Carolina – Nov. 5-7: Energy Star products are exempt.
- Oklahoma – August 6-8: Clothing and shoes priced at less than $100 per item are exempt.
- South Carolina – August 6-8: Clothing, school supplies, and computers are all tax exempt.
- Tennessee – August 6-8: Clothing and school supplies selling for up to $100 and computers selling for up to $1,500 are exempt. This state is also offering sales tax refunds for flood victims.
- Texas – August 20-22: Clothing, backpacks, and school supplies selling for $100 or less per item are exempt.
- Virginia – August 6-8: Clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less and school supplies priced at $20 or less per item are exempt.
- Virginia – Oct. 8-11: Energy Star products selling for $2,500 or less per item are exempt.
- West Virginia – Sep. 1-Nov. 30: Energy Star products costing $5,000 or less are exempt.