Tax free weekends 2026: How they work and upcoming dates to know

A tax free weekend (also called a sales tax holiday) is a limited time period where your state may waive or reduce sales tax on qualifying items.

During tax free weekends many items like school supplies, clothing, computers, and other essentials are often “tax free,” meaning you won’t have to pay sales tax (or you’ll pay a lower sales tax) when you buy them during the “holiday.”

Some states have annual tax free weekends while others may legislate new tax free weekends in any given year. Here’s how they work and upcoming tax free dates to know by state.

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How do tax-free weekends work?#how-do-tax-free-weekends-work

Each state decides how their tax free weekends or sales tax holidays work. Despite the name “tax-free weekend,” some states have entire weeks where this benefit is offered.

States set rules for these sales tax holidays including:

• When the holiday takes place
• Which items qualify
• Whether there are price limits for each item
• Whether items are completely sales-tax free or tax discounted
• Whether local government (meaning city county) sales taxes are also waived

Tax-free weekends usually apply automatically. You don't need a coupon or special application. If an item qualifies, the tax is removed at checkout.

2026 tax-free weekend dates by state#2026-tax-free-weekend-dates-by-state

Several states have announced tax free holidays in 2026, including:

• Alabama: Jul. 17-19
• Arkansas: Aug. 1-2
• Connecticut: Aug. 16-22
• Florida: Jul. 20-Aug. 20, Sept. 1-Dec. 31 (Hunting/fishing specific)
• Iowa: Aug. 7-8
• Louisiana: Sept. 4-6
• Maryland: Aug. 9-15
• Massachusetts: Aug. 8-9
• Mississippi: Jul. 10-12
• Missouri: Aug. 7-9
• New Mexico: Jul. 31-Aug. 2
• Ohio: Aug. 7-9
• Oklahoma: Aug. 7-9
• South Carolina: Aug. 7-9
• Tennessee: Jul. 31-Aug. 2
• Texas: Aug. 7-9
• Virginia: Aug. 7-9
• West Virginia: Jul. 31-Aug. 3

Some dates are set by state law, while others are announced closer to the event. Always check your state's information on exact dates, qualifying items, and limits before shopping. You should visit your state’s website to find more information on how the upcoming holiday works.

Do all states have tax-free weekends?#do-all-states-have-tax-free-weekends

No. Many states either don't have a sales tax holiday or don't have a state sales tax at all. States can also create, change, or end their tax-free weekends at any time.

The following states do not have sales tax-free weekends in 2026:

• Alaska
• California
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

What items are usually tax-free during a tax holiday?#what-items-are-usually-tax-free-during-a-tax-holiday

Not everything qualifies as tax free during a tax free weekend. Many states use tax free holidays to discount school supplies in the back-to-school period, but others are extend the offer to a longer list of items.

The exact list depends on your state, but some common qualifying items include:

• Clothing
• Shoes
• School supplies
• Backpacks
• Computers and tablets
• Calculators
• Printer supplies
• Hurricane and emergency preparedness supplies
• Energy Star appliances

Items like restaurant meals, alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, and motor vehicles are generally not included in tax free weekends. Some states have multiple tax free holidays annually with different types of items qualifying depending on the event.

Do online purchases qualify for tax free weekends?#do-online-purchases-qualify-for-tax-free-weekends

Usually, yes. Many states allow qualifying online purchases during the tax-free period if the purchase meets the state's rules. The order must be placed and paid for during the sales tax holiday, but exact rules depend on your state.