It is one week into the month of August, and the 2012 Tax Free Days are upon us.
The holiday originated in the state of Texas in 1999, when it decided to exempt certain back-to-school purchases from the state sales tax. In all, 15 states hold tax-free holidays.
If you have ever wondered when your state will host its yearly sales-tax holiday and which items are covered (or if your state even has a tax-free holiday), the following gives you the information you need for your back-to-school shopping, as well as other non-school items such as Energy Star appliances. You do not have to have children to save on taxable items; washing machines, dryers and even office supplies are tax-free in some states.
Some of the tax-free offerings have passed, most are in August, and even a few are in November.
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ALABAMA: DATES (AUGUST 3-5) – STATE SALES TAX (4%)
Clothing: Including coats, diapers, and shoes. $100 or less per article of clothing – no cosmetics, handbags, dance shoes, or cleated or spiked athletic shoes.
Computers: Including computer packages, PDAs, software, printers, and print cartridges. Single purchase of $750 or less – no cell phones or video games.
School and Art Supplies: (Based on school lists) Backpacks, lunchboxes, and calculators. $50 or less per item.
Textbooks: (Based on school lists) Sale price between $30 and $50.
Other Books: Up to $30.
ARKANSAS: DATES (AUGUST 4-5) – STATE SALES TAX (6%)
Clothing: Including diapers, coats, shoes, costumes, and wedding apparel. Less than $100 per item.
Accessories: Including handbags, briefcases, wigs, jewelry, and non-prescription sunglasses. Less than $50 per item.
School and Art Supplies: (Based on school lists) Including backpacks, lunchboxes, and calculators. No dollar limit given.
Reference Supplies: Reference books, maps, globes, textbooks, and workbooks. No dollar limit given.
CONNECTICUT: DATES (AUGUST 19-25) – STATE SALES TAX (6.35%)
Clothing and Footwear: Under $300 per item – no athletic uniforms or protective gear.
FLORIDA: DATES ( AUGUST 3-5) – STATE SALES TAX (6% )
Clothing and Shoes: Including diapers, backpacks, coats, costumes, sports uniforms, and cleated or spiked shoes. Up to $75 per item.
School Supplies: Including calculators and lunch boxes. Up to $15 per item.
IOWA: DATES (AUGUST 3-4) – STATE SALES TAX (6%)
Clothing and Footwear: Including work and school uniforms, diapers, and coats. Under $100 per item – no backpacks, book bags, handbags, athletic uniforms, wallets, watches, or shoes with spikes or cleats.
LOUISIANA: DATES (AUGUST 5-6) – STATE SALES TAX (4%)
Tangible Personal Property (non-business use): Just about everything, including clothing, computers, furniture, school supplies, and more. The first $2,500 per item is tax-free, with the exception of vehicles and restaurant meals (including to-go orders).
MARYLAND: DATES (AUGUST 12-18) – STATE SALES TAX (6%)
Clothing and Footwear: Including coats, diapers, and work and school uniforms. Items priced at $100 or less – no handbags, backpacks, jewelry, or watches.
MASSACHUSETTS: DATES (AUGUST 11-12) – STATE SALES TAX (6.25%)
Almost Anything: Items up to $2,500 or less.
MISSISSIPPI: DATES (AUGUST 3-5) – STATE SALES TAX (4.25% )
Clothing and Shoes: Includes diapers, coats, and uniforms. Up to $100 per item. Excludes jewelry, purses, luggage, wallets, backpacks, skates, and skis.
MISSOURI: DATES (AUGUST 3-5) – STATE SALES TAX (4.25%)
Clothing: Including coats, diapers, and school uniforms. Up to $100 per item – no briefcases, handbags, or ties.
School Supplies: Including backpacks, lunch boxes, USB drives, and inkjet refills. Up to $50 per purchase – no batteries, headphones, or digital cameras.
Computers and Software: Including systems, tablet computers, and peripherals. Up to $3,500 for computers and peripherals; up to $350 for software.
NEW MEXICO: DATES (AUGUST 3-5) – STATE SALES TAX (5.125%)
Clothing and Shoes: Including diapers, bridal wear, and school and work uniforms. Less than $100 per item – no athletic uniforms or protective gear, costumes, handbags, or briefcases.
Computers: Including tablets, printer paper, ink cartridges, speakers, and e-readers that include computing functions like word processing or spreadsheet programs. Less than $1,000 for computers and less than $500 for peripherals and equipment – no scanners, zip drives, or software that is not bundled with a qualifying computer purchase.
School Supplies: Including art supplies and day planners. Less than $15 per item; less than $100 per item for backpacks and calculators.
NORTH CAROLINA: DATES (AUGUST 3-5) – STATE SALES TAX (5.75%)
Clothing, Footwear, and School Supplies: Including diapers, coats, and school and athletic uniforms. $100 or less per item.
School Supplies: Including book bags, lunch boxes, and calculators. $100 or less per item.
School Reference Materials: Reference books, maps, globes, textbooks, and workbooks. $300 or less per item.
Sports and Recreational Gear: Including dance shoes, cleated and spiked shoes, and protective padding and helmets. $50 or less per item.
Computers: Including tablets, netbooks, and computer systems with CPU, mouse, keyboard, monitor, and speakers. $3,500 or less per item – no separate peripherals or e-readers.
Computer Supplies: Including data storage media, PDAs, printers, and paper and ink. $250 or less per item – no cell phones.
DATES (NOVEMBER 2-4) – STATE SALES TAX (5.75%)
Energy Star Products: Includes washer, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, ceiling fans, and dehumidifiers.
OKLAHOMA: DATES (AUGUST 3-5) – STATE SALES TAX (4.5%)
Clothing and Shoes: Including coats, costumes, diapers, and athletic and school uniforms. Less than $100 per item – no handbags or briefcases, sports gloves, or protective gear.
SOUTH CAROLINA: DATES (AUGUST 3-5) – STATE SALES TAX (6%)
Clothing and Accessories: Including costumes, diapers, handbags, hats, shoes, swimwear, skates, and dance or athletic shoes. No dollar limit given – no rented items, cosmetics, eyewear, or jewelry.
School Supplies: Including calculators, book bags, books, and lunch boxes. No dollar limit given.
Computers, Printers, and Software: Including printer supplies. No dollar limit given – no cell phones, cameras, e-readers, or MP3 players.
Home Linens: Including sheets, towels, bath mats, pillows, and blankets. No dollar limit given – no curtains, shower curtains, furniture, housewares or table cloths.
TENNESSEE: DATES (AUGUST 3-5) – STATE SALES TAX (7%)
Clothing: Including coats, school uniforms, shoes, and hats. $100 or less per item – no bags, jewelry, or sports gear.
Computers: Including tablets, laptops, and peripherals and software bundled with computers. $1,500 or less per item – no separately sold peripherals, software, printers, PDAs, or storage media.
School Supplies: Including art supplies, backpacks, lunch boxes, and calculators. $100 or less per item – no reference books or printer supplies.
TEXAS: DATES (AUGUST 17-19) – STATE SALES TAX (8.25%)
Clothing, Footwear, and Backpacks: Including diapers, work clothes and uniforms, winter wear, and swimwear. Less than $100 per item. Backpacks for use by elementary and secondary students only – no handbags, helmets, or protective sports gear.
School Supplies: Including book bags, lunch boxes, and calculators. Less than $100 per item.
VIRGINIA: DATES (AUGUST 3-5) – STATE SALES TAX (5%)
Clothing and Footwear: Including coats and rain gear, school uniforms, diapers, and costumes. $100 or less per item – no sports equipment or protective gear, handbags, or jewelry.
School Supplies: Including art supplies, dictionaries and thesauruses, calculators, book bags, musical instruments, and accessories. $20 or less per item – no PDAs, printers, or digital storage media.
DATES (OCTOBER 5-8)
Energy Star and WaterSense Products: Including dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, HVAC equipment, bathroom faucets, shower heads, and toilets. Used items may qualify. $2,500 or less per item – must be for noncommercial home use.
Ann
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