Shop for Back-to-School Items Tax-Free in Tennessee This July

It's almost time for the kiddos to go back to school, which means it's time for back-to-school shopping. You can save some money in Tennesee for their annual sales tax holiday this July.

Going back-to-school shopping can get a little expensive. Especially if you have multiple kids. You have to get new clothes, supplies, backpacks, shoes, computers, and other items that can be somewhat overwhelming to shop for. However, if you're like me, and have a hard time saying "no" to a good deal, here's something that might be worth a trip to Tennessee.

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Go Back-to-School Shopping Tax-Free in Tennesee This July

Tennessee’s traditional sales tax holiday on clothing, school supplies, and computers is the last full weekend in July. For 2023, it begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, 2023.

Now, of course, there are some exemptions, which I will get into in a minute. Most large retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Target, and malls will also be participating in this tax-free weekend. You can shop online tax-free that weekend, but you have to be located in Tennessee to take advantage of the tax-exempt items. Also, items must be purchased for personal use, not for business or trade.

What Items Are Eligible For Tax-Free Back-to-School Shopping?

So, you want to know what items you can and can't get tax-free in Tennessee that weekend? Let's take a look.

Clothing

Exempt: 

• General apparel that costs $100 or less per item, such as shirts, pants, socks, shoes, dresses, etc.

Not exempt:

• Apparel items priced at more than $100
• Items sold together, such as shoes, cannot be split up to stay beneath the $100 maximum
• Items such as jewelry, handbags, or sports and recreational equipment

School Supplies

Exempt:

• School and art supplies with a purchase price of $100 or less per item, such as binders, backpacks, crayons, paper, pens, pencils, and rulers, and art supplies such as glazes, clay, paints, drawing pads, and artist paintbrushes

Not exempt:

• School and art supplies individually priced at more than $100
• Items that are normally sold together cannot be split up to stay beneath the $100 maximum

Computers

Exempt:

• Computers for personal use with a purchase price of $1,500 or less
• Laptop computers, if priced at $1,500 or less, also qualify as well as tablet computers

Not exempt: 

• Storage media, like flash drives and compact discs
• Individually purchased software
• Printer Supplies
• Household appliances

You can learn more about this tax-free holiday in Tennesee by clicking here.