2025 Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend Guide: Save Big in These 17 States
Last updated 08/02/2025 by
Andrew LathamSummary:
Tax‑free weekends let families shop for back‑to‑school gear, such as clothing, supplies, and sometimes laptops, without state and local sales tax. In 2025, 17 U.S. states (plus Puerto Rico) offer these events in July or August. A typical K–12 household spends around $875 per year, meaning a tax-free holiday can save roughly $60–80, depending on location. This article breaks down how the holidays work, how much you might save, and provides a clear list of dates and item limits by state for 2025.
Back-to-school shopping can get expensive fast, but tax-free weekends offer a smart way to stretch your dollars. Every summer, select states suspend sales tax on school essentials like clothing, supplies, and even laptops. Whether you’re gearing up for kindergarten or college, this guide breaks down where and when to shop tax-free in 2025, and how much you can really save.
What are back-to-school tax‑free days?
Back‑to‑school tax holidays are short periods, often a weekend or week, when states waive sales tax on eligible items like clothing, school supplies, and sometimes computers. They’re timed just before the school year starts to help families save. Seventeen states and Puerto Rico offer these events in 2025.
How much can families save?
The average K–12 family spends about $875 each school year on essentials—school supplies, clothing, and backpacks. With sales tax rates ranging from around 6% to 9%, potential savings are roughly $60–80 per family. States with higher tax rates, such as Tennessee, offer even more in tax benefits.
Beyond savings at checkout, shopping during tax holidays can lock in lower prices before seasonal increases. Major retailers like Walmart and Apple often coordinate promotions to align with these periods.
Tips to maximize your savings
- Shop during the holiday window: Most online orders qualify if they’re paid for and shipped to a qualifying state during the tax‑free period.
- Know your limits: Many items have price caps. A $99 backpack is tax‑free—$101 is not.
- Buy in bundles: Several small purchases can add up to big savings when you avoid tax on each.
- Time large purchases: If you’re planning to buy a laptop, look for states that include tech in their exemptions.
- Check local rules: Some cities may opt out or add local tax. Double-check your area before checking out.
Frequently asked questions
Are online purchases eligible?
Yes, if the item is ordered and paid for during the holiday and shipped to a qualifying state, it should be tax‑free.
Can I buy multiple items over the cap?
No. Each item must fall below the individual price limit to qualify.
Do all stores participate?
Most do, especially national retailers. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm with the store.
Why doesn’t my state offer one?
Tax holidays are set by state law. Some states choose not to offer them due to budgetary reasons or policy differences.
Key takeaways
- 17 states and Puerto Rico offer back‑to‑school tax holidays in 2025.
- Families can save $60–80 on average during these events.
- Tax holidays cover clothing, supplies, and sometimes electronics.
- Each state sets its own rules, limits, and dates—shop wisely.
- Online purchases qualify if ordered and shipped within the correct time frame.
Andrew is the Content Director for SuperMoney, a Certified Financial Planner®, and a Certified Personal Finance Counselor. He loves to geek out on financial data and translate it into actionable insights everyone can understand. His work is often cited by major publications and institutions, such as Forbes, U.S. News, Fox Business, SFGate, Realtor, Deloitte, and Business Insider.
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