Sales tax holidays 2021: Shop tax-free for clothes, school supplies in 11 states this weekend

Mental health a concern as children return to classroomsExperts say returning to school in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic will require special care for a child’s mental and social development needs.STAFF VIDEO, USA TODAYShoppers in 11 states can pick up clothes and school supplies tax-free this weekend.Back-to-school sales tax holidays kick off Friday in eight states – Iowa, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia – joining Florida, whose 10-day tax holiday started July 31. Arkansas’ two-tax holiday starts Saturday, and Maryland’s tax-free week begins Sunday.The tax savings are open to all even those without children, but criteria vary by state. Online shopping also is tax-free during the holidays.Connecticut and Massachusetts will offer tax breaks later in August. Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, West Virginia already held tax holidays this summer.►Sephora at Kohl’s locations are opening: See which stores are getting a makeover and when.►Back to school 2021: Here are 8 things to know about back-to-school shopping and how to avoid school supply shortagesThe back-to-school shopping season, the second-biggest period for retailers, behind the holidays, usually kicks off in mid-July and peaks in mid-August. This year, consumers are starting earlier than in past years amid possible shortages of core items like backpacks and shoes.In some states, tax breaks are offered year-round. According to the Tax Foundation, Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon don’t have a sales tax.Most clothing also is tax-free year-round in some states, including Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.►Reviewed recommendations: Where to get popular back to school supplies before they sell out►Mask policies: Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Kohl’s, Publix update mask policies for employees; encourage customers to wear masksTax-free shopping 2021Not every town and county will participate in the sales tax holidays, nor will every item be tax-free. Online shopping also is exempt from tax during the days. For some states, local taxes still apply.Arkansas sales tax holidayDates: Aug. 7-8What’s tax-free:Clothing and footwear: Less than $100Clothing accessories or equipment: Less than $50Select school supplies, school art supplies and instructional materials: No limitElectronic items such as cell phones, laptops and tablets will qualify as sales tax-exempt for the first time: No limitFull list: dfa.arkansas.gov►Arkansas tax holiday: What to know about Arkansas’ tax-free weekendFlorida tax free holidayDates: July 31-Aug. 9What’s tax-free:Clothing, footwear and accessories: $60 or lessSchool supplies: $15 or lessComputers and accessories: $1,000 or less per itemFull list: floridarevenue.com/backtoschool►Florida 10-day sales tax holiday 2021: What back-to-school supplies are covered and NOT coveredIowa tax free weekendDates: Aug. 6-7What’s tax-free: Clothing and footwear, less than $100Full list: tax.iowa.gov/iowas-annual-sales-tax-holiday►Iowa’s tax holiday 2021: Here’s how you can avoid paying sales tax on clothing, shoes this monthMaryland tax free weekDates: Aug. 8-14What’s tax-free:Clothing and footwear: $100 or lessBackpacks: The first $40 is tax-exemptFull list: marylandtaxes.govMissouri back to school sales tax holidayDates: Aug. 6-8What’s tax-free:Clothing: Up to $100School supplies: Not to exceed $50 per purchasePersonal computers: Up to $1,500Computer software: Up to $350Graphing calculators: Up to $150Full list: dor.mo.govDisney, Vegas, Apple are among those requiring new mask mandatesMask requirements return to many vacation spots, work places and schools.Staff Video, USA TODAYNew Mexico tax free holidayDates: Aug. 6-8What’s tax-free:Clothing and footwear: Less than $100Computers: Under $1,000Computer-related items: Under $500School supplies: Less than $30Full list: tax.newmexico.govOhio tax free weekendDates: Aug. 6-8What’s tax-free:Clothing: $75 or lessSchool supplies and instructional materials: $20 or lessFull list: tax.ohio.gov►Ohio tax holiday: The three-day sales tax break is Aug. 6-8. Here’s what to know.Oklahoma tax free weekendDates: Aug. 6-8What’s tax-free: Clothing and footwear, less than $100Full list: oklahoma.govSouth Carolina tax free holidayDates: Aug. 6-8What’s tax-free:Clothing: No limit, diapers also are included and athletic and uniforms for music and scouts are tax-exemptSchool supplies: No limit, includes backpacks and art supplies for schools. Office supplies will still be taxed.Computers, computer parts and accessories, printers, ink: No limit BUTcomputers used in a business are still taxed.Books and musical instruments: Tax-free if “used for school assignments.”Bed and bath: No limit, includes bedding, pillows and towels.Full list: dor.sc.gov/taxfreeweekendTexas tax free weekend 2021Dates: Aug. 6-8What’s tax-free:Clothing and footwear: Less than $100School supplies and backpacks: Less than $100Full list: comptroller.texas.gov►Texas sales tax weekend: Texans can save on school supplies, clothing during this weekend’s sales tax holidayVirginia tax free daysDates: Aug. 6-8What’s tax-free:Clothing and footwear: $100 or lessSchool supplies: $20 or lessHurricane and emergency preparedness products: Portable generators up to $1,000; gas-powered chainsaws $350 or less; other specified hurricane preparedness items, $60 or less per item. Energy Star and WaterSense products: $2,500 or less per itemFull list: tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday►Virginia tax-free weekend 2021: What school supplies are eligible and what others are not?Upcoming sales tax holidaysConnecticut and Massachusetts start their tax holidays in mid-August.Connecticut tax free weekDates: Aug. 15-21What’s tax-free: Clothing and footwear, less than $100Full list: portal.ct.gov/DRSMassachusetts sales tax holidayDates: Aug. 14-15What’s tax-free: Almost everything that costs up to $2,500. In Massachusetts, there is no sales tax on clothes less than $175 year-round.More information: mass.gov►Saving money is hard: How Ibotta makes it easier to get discounts and earn cash back on groceries, travel and more►What’s on your school supply list? 15 must-have school supplies your kids need, by gradeFollow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko. For shopping news, tips and deals, join us on our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group. 


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