Mark Your Calendars for Tax-Free Weekend: Score Big on Back-to-School Savings!

Who doesn’t relish a good deal? After paying taxes all year long, a weekend without them is definitely worth noting. Parents understand that raising kids comes with its own set of financial challenges. From feeding and clothing to entertaining and educating, expenses can pile up in no time. That’s where tax-free weekends come to the rescue, especially during back-to-school season, allowing us to shop for essential items without the burden of sales tax.

Unfortunately, not every state joins in on this money-saving opportunity. However, if you’re in (or nearby) one of the participating states, prepare for a shopping spree with built-in savings! While many states have yet to announce their 2021 tax-free weekend dates, we’ve done our best to estimate based on last year’s schedule.

Want to stretch your budget even further? Check out our tips for grocery savings, vacation budgeting, and child care costs.

Here’s a Quick Rundown of Tax-Free Weekend Dates by State:

Alabama: July 17-19, 2021. Items like clothing, shoes, and school supplies under $50 are tax-exempt.
Arkansas: August 1-2, 2021. Expect tax-free shopping on accessories, school supplies, and textbooks.
Connecticut: Lucky residents enjoy a whole week of tax-free shopping from August 16-22, 2021, for clothing and footwear priced under $100 (excluding athletic gear).
Florida: Mark August 7-9, 2021, for tax-free clothing, shoes, and school supplies (up to $15).
Iowa: Get ready for August 7-8, 2021, for tax-free shopping.
Maryland: A full week of tax-free shopping from August 9-15, 2021.
Mississippi: July 24-25, 2021, is when residents can shop tax-free.
Missouri: August 7-9, 2021, is the expected date; keep in mind some counties may opt-out.
New Mexico: Similar to last year, expect tax-free weekend from August 7-9, 2021.
Ohio: August 7-9, 2021—mark those calendars!
Oklahoma: Also slated for August 7-9, 2021.
South Carolina: Expect tax-free weekend on August 7-9, 2021.
Tennessee: July 31-August 2, 2021, is the designated shopping weekend.
Texas: August 7-9, 2021, is when Texas offers tax-free shopping.
Virginia: Mark August 7-9, 2021, for tax-free weekend.

States Not Participating This Year:

Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Get ready to seize those savings and help ease the financial burden of back-to-school shopping! For more insights on financial tips, you can check out this helpful blog for additional resources. And if you’re looking for ways to enhance your family planning journey, Make a Mom offers excellent advice on boosting fertility. For those navigating pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is invaluable.

Summary:

Tax-free weekends are a fantastic opportunity for parents to save on back-to-school essentials. While many states participate, it’s crucial to check local dates and exemptions.