Sales Tax Holidays In Various States During August

Numerous states offer sales tax holidays during July-August. These are typically branded for the purchase of school supplies, yet often include a broad array of items which can be useful for anyone (e.g. computers, clothing, etc.). This is a nice savings for those states. Some are expired, and there are still some alive now. Below are the details, please double check them before going out and making a purchase:

  • Florida: August 1–31, max $1,500 per item, school supplies of $50 or less, clothing/footwear of $100 or less, computers & accessories of $1,500 or less, learning aids/puzzles of $30 or less

  • Ohio: August 1–14, max $500 per item, most tangible personal property under $500 (electronics, clothing, books, home goods, etc.)

  • Massachusetts: August 9–10, max $2,500 per item, nearly all personal retail items (with standard exclusions)

  • Maryland: August 10–16, max $100 per item, clothing & footwear, backpacks (first $40)

  • Texas: August 8–10, max $100 per item, clothing, footwear, school supplies, backpacks

  • Connecticut: August 17–23, max $100 per item, clothing and footwear
    Chuck
  • On August 5, 2025, 13:47
Tags: taxes

View Comments (18)

  • I’m in Ohio where my tax is 8%. Yeah I’m taking advantage of it by stocking up on the same stuff I would have bought anyway. Moved my subscribe and save to fall within the dates. 8% is still 8% take what is offered.

  • I am in Florida. Looking at a $700 laptop on Dell but it adds sales tax when I proceed to checkout. What can be done if retailers do not honor the exemption?

    • DP: I purchased the laptop yesterday. It showed tax charged all the way to the end. I clicked back button on the browser back to the cart, refreshed the page and the tax went away! Proceeded to checkout with 0 tax.

      Good deal with rakuten 10% cashback, new email 10% off, dell amex offer and sales tax waived off!

        • @guest_2113334 Blue Cash Everyday and Preferred. I had 100 off 500 on BCE and 50 off 250 on BCP

          You can also split payment on Dell if your purchase allows to leverage multiple offers

    • @guest_2112782, if you click the circled "i" next to Estimated Tax, it says:

      Tax listed are only estimates. The final tax amount will be calculated based on applicable State requirements and will be included on your invoice. For eligible customers purchasing during a sales tax holiday, tax will not be charged during the applicable holiday period.

      Not sure if it actually works correctly in practice. Good luck!

    • Nothing, if they are outside of the state. The sales tax exemption does not apply for use tax. If they are in the state, you could complain to them, but ultimately if they remit the tax to the state, there is nothing you can do about it.

    • Bipartisan does not exist. Personally I think it's a great idea for families supplying their kids for school. Here in TN tax rate is 9.75%....most people on this would jump at 10% savings on a gift card. I see no harm.

      • Economists and both the left wing ITEP and right wing Tax Foundation think tanks say this is a bad idea. Either you cut taxes as a whole or just give money to parents who need school supplies, through child tax credits or free giveaways.

        • It's good politics, I can see why they do it. Doing it the right would be better politics, but I digress...

  • For Ohio:

    Almost all tangible personal property priced at $500 or less is tax-free

    The following items WILL still be taxed: Watercraft or outboard motors, motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vapor products, and items containing marijuana

    Food and Beverages: Dine-in food, dietary supplements, and soft drinks WILL NOT be taxed

    If items that meet the exemption are sold with items that do not meet the exemption, for one non-itemized price, then the entire price is subject to sales tax. If the price of the exempt and taxable items is separately stated, then the sales tax exemption can be applied to the exempt items.

    Qualified items sold to consumers by mail, telephone, e-mail, or Internet shall qualify for the sales tax exemption if the consumer orders and pays for the item and the retailer accepts the order during the exemption period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the exemption period.

    If all items in a shipment qualify as eligible items and the sales price for each is within the sales tax holiday price threshold, the shipping and handling charges are not taxable.

  • FWIW - The now concluded Virginia sales tax holiday (August 1-3) includes (i) hurricane and emergency preparedness products incl. generators and chainsaws, and (ii) Energy Star or WaterSense appliances ($2,500 or less per item).

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