When do back-to-school sales start in 2026?
Last checked: June 2026 · Tax-free dates confirmed by state where available.
Are back-to-school sales on?
STARTS IN JULY
Stores stock up in July; the best savings hit the tax-free weekends in late July–August.
Tax-free weekends: late July–AugBack-to-school shopping has one of the most predictable rhythms of the year — and one big money-saving trick: tax-free weekends. Here's when the sales start and exactly when your state drops the sales tax.
The short answer
Stores begin stocking supplies and running promotions in July, but the best time to buy is your state's tax-free weekend — mostly late July through August. More than 18 states hold one in 2026; many land on the first weekend of August (around Aug 7–9), while a few fall earlier in July.
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These are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Is It Out Yet may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Online orders generally qualify for tax-free weekend if shipped to a participating state during the window.
2026 tax-free weekend dates by state
A selection of the larger states' confirmed or expected 2026 dates. Each state sets its own list of qualifying items and price caps — always confirm with your state's revenue department.
| State | 2026 dates | Typical qualifying items |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | July 17–19 | Clothing, supplies, computers |
| Mississippi | July 25–26 | Clothing & footwear under $100 |
| Tennessee | July 24–26 | Clothing, school supplies, computers |
| Florida | Extended (much of August) | Clothing, supplies, learning aids |
| Texas | August 7–9 | Clothing, backpacks, supplies under $100 |
| South Carolina | August 7–9 | Clothing, supplies, computers, bed linens |
| Virginia | August 7–9 | Clothing, school supplies & more |
| Ohio | August (3-day back-to-school holiday) | Clothing & school supplies under the price caps |
| Maryland | August 9–15 | Clothing & footwear under $100 |
| Massachusetts | August 15–16 | Almost everything under $2,500 |
| Connecticut | August 16–22 | Clothing & footwear under $300 |
Dates are based on official announcements and past years; a few states (e.g. Georgia, Louisiana, Rhode Island) have no 2026 holiday. Confirm your state's exact dates before you shop.
How to save the most
Two tricks stack nicely: shop during your tax-free weekend, and watch for retailer sales running the same week — you can often combine a store discount with the tax exemption. Make your list ahead of time so you're buying qualifying items (most states cover clothing, footwear, and school supplies under a price cap; many exclude accessories, sports gear, and pricey electronics). And remember: online orders generally count if shipped to a participating state during the window — handy if the stores are picked over.
Back-to-school FAQ
When do the sales start?
Stores stock up and start promotions in July; the best savings are the tax-free weekends in late July through August.
When is the tax-free weekend?
Varies by state — many land around the first weekend of August (Aug 7–9, 2026), a few earlier in July, and Florida runs an extended window. Check the table above.
Do online orders qualify?
Generally yes — Amazon, Walmart, and Target remove sales tax on qualifying items shipped to a participating state during the holiday.
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