Sales tax holidays: These states have tax-free back-to-school shopping – USA TODAY

With inflation running at a more than 40-year high, two more states are joining this year in helping parents afford to get their kids back to school with tax sales holidays. 
A total of 19 states this year, including newcomers Connecticut and New Jersey, either have had or plan days that parents can shop and either skip or pay reduced state sales tax on back-to-school items. Studies have shown that kids are less likely to stay engaged with school without proper school supplies. 
Below is a list of participating states and what’s tax free, according to the Federation of Tax Administrators. Rules and dates vary by state so check the state’s website for the most updated information. In some instances, local taxes may still apply, too. 
July 15-17
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: www.revenue.alabama.gov/sales-use/sales-tax-holidays
Aug. 6 and 7 
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: www.dfa.arkansas.gov
Aug. 21-27 
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: www.ct.gov/drs
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July 25-Aug. 7  
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: https://floridarevenue.com/backtoschool/
Aug. 5-14 
What has a reduced tax rate of 1.25%: 
More info: https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/research/publications/bulletins/Documents/2022/FY%202022-24_N0522.pdf
Aug. 5-6  
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: https://tax.iowa.gov/iowas-annual-sales-tax-holiday 
Aug. 14-20 
What’s tax-free: 
More information: https://taxes.marylandtaxes.gov 
Aug. 13 and 14
What’s tax-free: 
More information: www.mass.gov
July 29 and 30
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: www.dor.ms.gov
Aug. 5-7 
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: https://dor.mo.gov/business/sales/taxholiday/school 
Aug. 27-Sept.  
What’s tax-free: 
Aug. 5-7 
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: www.tax.newmexico.gov
Aug. 5-7 
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: www.tax.ohio.gov
Aug. 5-7  
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: www.ok.gov/tax
Aug. 5-7 
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: https://dor.sc.gov/taxfreeweekend
July 29-July 31
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday 
Aug. 5-7 
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes
Aug. 5- to 7 
What’s tax-free: 
Full list: www.tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday
Aug. 5-8 
What’s tax-free: 
More information: https://tax.wv.gov/Business/Pages/SalesTaxHoliday.aspx
Medora Lee is a money, markets, and personal finance reporter at USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected] and subscribe to our free Daily Money newsletter for personal finance tips and business news every Monday through Friday morning.  

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