As the year winds down, many savvy shoppers are looking to stretch their dollars further, especially during back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons. One of the best ways to save is by taking advantage of tax-free weekends, special state-sponsored events that allow you to shop without the burden of sales tax on essential purchases. From clothing and school supplies to technology and holiday gifts, these events provide valuable opportunities to save.
This guide covers all the tax-free weekends happening across the U.S. from September through December 2024. Discover when and where you can take advantage of these savings to maximize your shopping budget.
September to December 2024 Tax-Free Weekends by State
1. Colorado
- Dates: September 14-16, 2024
- Details:
- Clothing: Items priced up to $150 per item are exempt from sales tax, including most clothing and footwear. However, formalwear and certain accessories are not covered.
- School Supplies: Supplies up to $50 per item, like notebooks and art supplies, are tax-free. Technology items are generally excluded.
- Important Notes: The tax exemption applies to both in-store and online purchases, though high-end electronics are not included.
2. Mississippi
- Dates: September 28-29, 2024
- Details:
- Clothing: Items priced under $100 are tax-free. This covers most everyday clothing and footwear but excludes formalwear and jewelry.
- School Supplies: Items up to $100 per item, such as backpacks, notebooks, and pens, qualify for the exemption. Exclusions may apply to graphing calculators and electronics.
- Important Notes: Both in-store and online purchases qualify, though some restrictions apply to certain items.
3. Arkansas
- Dates: October 25-27, 2024
- Details:
- Clothing: Items priced at $100 or less per item are exempt. This includes most clothing and shoes but excludes luxury items and accessories.
- School Supplies: Supplies priced under $50 per item, including notebooks and backpacks, are tax-free. Technology items are generally excluded.
- Important Notes: The tax exemption applies to all qualifying in-store purchases, but not all online transactions may be eligible.
4. South Carolina
- Dates: November 1-3, 2024
- Details:
- Clothing: Items under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes most clothing and footwear but excludes certain types of accessories.
- School Supplies: Supplies priced up to $50 per item, including backpacks and notebooks, are exempt. Some exclusions may apply.
- Important Notes: Both in-store and online purchases are eligible for the tax exemption, but specific conditions may vary.
5. Florida
- Dates: November 15-17, 2024
- Details:
- Clothing: Items under $75 per item are exempt, covering most everyday clothing and footwear but excluding formalwear and specific accessories.
- School Supplies: Supplies up to $25 per item, including notebooks, pens, and backpacks, are tax-free. Exclusions apply to electronics and non-essential items.
- Important Notes: The exemption applies to in-store and online purchases, with special rules for certain products.
6. New Jersey
- Dates: November 30 – December 1, 2024
- Details:
- Coverage: This holiday sales tax holiday includes clothing and footwear under $100 and specific holiday decorations.
- Important Notes: The event applies to both in-store and online purchases.
7. Georgia
- Dates: December 6-8, 2024
- Details:
- Clothing: Items under $100 per item are exempt, covering most clothing and shoes but excluding high-end accessories and formalwear.
- School Supplies: Supplies priced up to $50 per item, such as notebooks and pens, qualify. Technology items may be excluded.
- Important Notes: Both in-store and online purchases qualify for the exemption, but check specific conditions.
Maximizing Your Savings
Tax-free weekends provide an excellent chance to save on essential purchases, but there are ways to make the most of these opportunities:
- Plan Your Shopping List: Know what items you need in advance to avoid impulse buying, especially for back-to-school and holiday shopping.
- Check the Exclusions: Each state has specific rules on which items qualify, so be sure to verify that the products you’re buying are eligible for the tax exemption.
- Shop Online: Many states extend tax-free benefits to online purchases, so you can avoid the crowds and still enjoy the savings. Double-check if the tax-free status applies to your online retailer.
- Combine Coupons and Sales: Use coupons and shop during additional store sales for even more savings during these tax-free events.
Conclusion
From September through December, tax-free weekends provide a fantastic opportunity to save on a wide range of essential items, from school supplies to clothing. By planning your purchases and taking advantage of these limited-time offers, you can significantly reduce your overall spending. Be sure to review each state’s specific guidelines to fully benefit from these events. Happy shopping, and enjoy those tax-free savings!
For more personalized tax-saving strategies or further assistance, feel free to contact our office.
