As students and parents prepare for the 2025 academic year, the back to school tax free weekend 2025 USA offers a major opportunity to cut costs on school essentials. With rising prices on clothes, electronics, and classroom materials, many states across the U.S. are again rolling out state tax-free events to help families save on necessary purchases.
This annual event allows shoppers to buy items like school supplies, uniforms, laptops, and even backpacks without paying state sales tax—provided purchases fall within each state’s price limits and eligibility criteria.
What Is a Tax-Free Weekend?
A tax-free weekend is a limited-time event where state sales tax is waived on eligible items, usually for school-related purchases. Not every U.S. state participates, but many offer 2–3 days in late July or early August when specific products are exempt from tax.
Key savings categories include:
-
Clothing and school uniforms
-
Stationery and school supplies
-
Laptops, tablets, and electronics
-
Backpacks and lunchboxes
2025 State-by-State Tax-Free Weekend Dates
Below is a table of confirmed tax-free weekends in July and August 2025 across participating states:
| State | Tax-Free Dates 2025 | Eligible Items |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | July 26–August 4 | Clothing (< $100), supplies, laptops (< $1,500) |
| Texas | August 9–11 | Clothing (< $100), backpacks, supplies |
| Tennessee | July 25–27 | School supplies (< $100), computers (< $1,500) |
| Missouri | August 1–3 | Clothing, computers, art supplies |
| New Mexico | August 2–4 | Clothing, school supplies, computers (< $1,000) |
| South Carolina | August 2–4 | Clothing, dorm needs, tech, bedding |
| Iowa | August 2–3 | Clothing only (< $100) |
| Ohio | August 1–3 | Clothing (< $75), school supplies |
Note: States like California, Arizona, and Illinois do not participate in tax-free weekends in 2025.
How Much Can You Save?
Savings depend on local tax rates and what you buy. For example, a family in Texas purchasing:
-
$95 in school uniforms
-
$45 in supplies
-
$1,200 laptop
…would save around $100–$130 in taxes, depending on local city or county rates.
Best Buys During Tax-Free Events
The back to school tax free weekend 2025 USA is ideal for:
-
Tech Deals: Many major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart bundle tax-free deals with additional markdowns on laptops and tablets.
-
Uniforms: Buy school-approved attire tax-free, including shoes, pants, and jackets (limits apply per item).
-
Backpacks & Accessories: Great time to buy lunch bags, pencil cases, and backpacks without added tax.
Tips for Back-to-School Shoppers
-
Check state rules: Each state has specific price caps and eligible item lists.
-
Shop early: Retailers often run out of laptops or uniforms in high demand.
-
Keep receipts: For return purposes or any school reimbursement programs.
-
Combine store discounts: Layer tax-free shopping with store coupons or loyalty points for bigger savings.
FAQs
What is the back to school tax free weekend 2025 USA?
It is a period in late July and August 2025 when select states waive sales tax on eligible school-related items such as clothing, supplies, and electronics.
Which states are offering tax-free weekends in 2025?
Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Missouri, New Mexico, South Carolina, Iowa, and Ohio are among the states hosting tax-free weekends in 2025.
What items are typically eligible for tax-free purchase?
School supplies, uniforms, backpacks, and electronics like laptops or tablets (usually under a certain price limit) are eligible during tax-free weekends.
Can I shop online during the tax-free weekend?
Yes, most states allow online purchases to be tax-exempt if ordered and paid during the tax-free period and shipped to an eligible address.
How much money can families save?
Depending on the state and items purchased, families can save anywhere from $50 to over $150 in sales tax during the event.
Click here to know more.