Summertime Shopping Bonanza: Walmart, Apple Participate in Tax-Exempt Back-to-School Sales; Find Out States, Dates, and Limits
Sales Tax Holidays Offer Shoppers Savings in 2025
Shoppers in the United States can take advantage of several sales tax holidays this year, with some states offering exemptions on computers and related electronic accessories. Here's a rundown of the states offering tax breaks on these items during their sales tax holidays in 2025.
Alabama
From July 18 to July 20, Alabama will exempt computers priced under $750, along with other eligible items like clothing and school supplies. This exemption includes Mac computers, keyboards, monitors, or iPads with a total sales price of all exempt items not exceeding $750.
Alaska (Municipality of Skagway)
Alaska's sales tax holiday extends from October 2024 to March 31, 2025, covering all retail sales, including computers.
Arkansas
Arkansas' tax-free weekend has no sales price limit for personal use purchases. This means that electronics like laptops are eligible for the tax break. However, it's worth noting that headphones, earbuds, and flash drives qualify for the tax break only if purchased for school use in South Carolina.
Florida
Florida's sales tax holiday runs from August 1 to August 31. Computers priced at $1,500 or less qualify for the exemption, along with other items.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts' tax exemption applies to tangible personal property, including computers priced at $2,500 or less. However, it's important to note that this exemption does not apply to multiple items.
Missouri
Missouri's sales tax holiday takes place from August 1 to August 3. It covers personal computers at $1,500 or less.
Tennessee
Tennessee's sales tax holiday applies to computers and qualifying accessories priced at $1,500 or less. It's worth mentioning that some states, like Tennessee, also impose a grocery tax, making any break on taxes during sales tax holidays a good reason to shop at a bargain.
Virginia
Virginia offers a tax break on Apple cell phone chargers and batteries with a sales price of $60 or less.
West Virginia
West Virginia's sales tax holiday applies to tablet and laptop computers with a sales price of $500 or less.
New Mexico
New Mexico's sales tax holiday applies to computers with a sales price of $1,000 or less and related items such as speakers, flash drives, and keyboards with a value of $500 or less.
Other states may have sales tax holidays but do not necessarily include computers or have different specifics. For complete rules, including precise lists of qualifying items and any restrictions, it is best to consult the respective state department of revenue or taxation website.
In addition to these electronics-focused sales tax holidays, major retailers like Walmart are offering tax-free savings on school supplies, snacks, and clothing during the back-to-school season. For instance, a composition notebook worth $0.97 will cost you 50 cents during Walmart's tax-free holiday.
Shoppers should keep track of the dates for these sales tax holidays, as many start as soon as late July. Major retailers like Walmart and Apple are simplifying the shopping experience for tax-free holiday participants by offering online catalogues of qualifying items.
It's also important to note that with the back-to-school season happening in July and August, over a dozen states are hosting tax-free holidays. However, not all states offer a tax break on electronics.
Shoppers in 17 states and Puerto Rico, including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia, can avail of Walmart's tax-free holiday savings whether they shop online or in-store.
Some participating states in sales tax holidays have among the highest sales tax rates in the country, such as Tennessee, where the combined sales tax rate averages 9.556%. This makes the tax exemptions potentially beneficial for shoppers.
However, retailers like Target, Walmart, and others are bracing for potential price hikes due to the ending of the Trump administration's tariff pause in mid-August. This could affect the savings shoppers can enjoy during sales tax holidays.
In conclusion, sales tax holidays offer shoppers the opportunity to save on select items, such as school supplies, clothing, electronics, food, furniture, plants, and other household items. By taking advantage of these holidays, shoppers can potentially save a significant amount on their purchases.
- The lifestyle of a tech enthusiast can be enhanced during sales tax holidays, as several states, such as Alabama, Florida, Missouri, and Tennessee, offer exemptions on computers and related accessories.
- For those interested in education and self-development, Arkansas' tax-free weekend and West Virginia's sales tax holiday provide opportunities to purchase tablet and laptop computers at reduced costs.
- During general news broadcasts, entertainment-driven discussions might also mention sales tax holidays, as they offer savings on items like Apple cell phone chargers and batteries in states such as Virginia.
