Tax Free School Shopping

Several years ago, some states started to implement a tax-free shopping weekend for school supplies. Everything from paper to clothing, backpacks to computers and crayons to protractors may be tax free, depending on where you live. This can result in a HUGE savings, especially if you are in college, supporting multiple school-aged children or even if you run an office. It can be a great time to stock up on necessities that you will need throughout the entire year, not just the first semester.
In 2015, there were 18 states that had a tax-free shopping weekend. This year, the following 16 states are participating in the event. Keep in mind that not every state that participated in previous years will be participating again this year.
Alabama Tax Free Weekend – August 5-7, 2016
Arkansas Tax Free Weekend – August 6-7, 2016
Connecticut Tax Free Weekend – August 14-20, 2016
Florida Tax Free Weekend – August 5-7, 2016
Georgia Tax Free Weekend – July 29-31, 2016
Iowa Tax Free Weekend, August 5-7, 2016
Louisiana Tax Free Weekend, August 5-7, 2016
Maryland Tax Free Weekend, August 7-13, 2016
Mississippi Tax Free Weekend, July 29-31, 2016
Missouri Tax Free Weekend, August 5-7, 2016
New Mexico Tax Free Weekend, August 5-7, 2016
Oklahoma Tax Free Weekend, August 5-7, 2016
South Carolina Tax Free Weekend, August 5-7, 2016
Tennessee Tax Free Weekend, July 29-31, 2016
Texas Tax Free Weekend, August 5-7, 2016
Virginia Tax Free Weekend, August 5-7, 2016
Some restrictions apply depending on where you live. Many states limit clothing up to $100 and school supplies up to $100, and some states have computer limitations as well. To get an idea of what is included in your own state’s tax-free weekend and how much you can save, click here. Check with your local retailers to see if you can save even more with deals and coupons available. Some may still accept these during tax free weekend.
If you are a tax free weekend shopper veteran, you may have even more inside know-how to share. Any tips or tricks to share for the novices? Which items do you try to buy tax free and which ones do you recommend waiting for the sale ads? It is important to note that some sales will save you much more money in the long run than tax free weekend, so make your spending choices carefully.
Do you have any great school supply saving tips to share? Comment down below to help other academics, parents and office aficionados save money.
Photo courtesy of sarajean. If you want "Poo Paper" courtesy of an elephant, you may not be able to find it while you shop during tax free weekend...