As summer winds down and the scent of freshly sharpened pencils fills the air, parents across the nation begin to feel the pang of back-to-school excitement—and yes, maybe a little trepidation about slashing those school supply bills. Fear not! This delightful time of year is made even sweeter thanks to sales tax holidays cropping up in several states. These blissful weekends allow shoppers to snatch up supplies and gear at a bargain, giving wallets a much-needed breather as kids prepare to hit the books.
In sunny Florida, where the sunshine isn’t the only thing to celebrate, a month of savings awaits eager shoppers. Throughout August, the state offers some seriously enticing exemptions. School supplies priced at $50 or less are tax-free, which means parents can stock up on all those items, from glue sticks to notebooks, without feeling guilty about draining their bank accounts. But that’s not all! Floridians can also enjoy sales tax breaks on clothing, footwear, and accessories costing up to $100, with computers and related accessories getting a green light for items priced at an impressive $1,500 or under. Now that’s what we call a tech-savvy sales tax holiday!
Meanwhile, everything’s bigger in Texas, including the deals! During its own sales tax holiday, the Lone Star State spares shoppers the sales and use taxes on most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced under $100. That’s right—Texans can gear up their kiddos for a new school year without breaking the bank. Cowboys and cowgirls can stock up on jeans, sneakers, and all the school essentials while leaving their wallets feeling a little fuller.
But hold your horses! Florida and Texas aren’t the only states jumping on the sales tax holiday bandwagon. A number of other states are offering similar deals just in time for back-to-school shopping. Shoppers in states like Alabama, Arkansas, and Missouri are finding a reprieve from sales tax burdens, making this the perfect time to grab those must-have items without a hint of guilt. Each of these states has its own rules and lists, so it’s important to scope out what’s available and ensure you’re cashing in on the best bargains.
For those curious about the specifics of what each participating state offers during their sales tax holidays, Forbes.com is the go-to destination. So, pack up the kids and get ready to tackle those back-to-school lists. With sales tax holidays rolling out, parents can relish in the sweet taste of savings while gearing up for a successful school year ahead. Now, if only the kids’ enthusiasm for learning could match their excitement for all those new supplies!