By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY, AL — Shoppers across Alabama are gearing up for the state’s 20th annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, taking place from Friday, July 18 at 12:01 a.m. through Sunday, July 20 at midnight. The event provides a much-needed break on school-related expenses as families prepare for the upcoming academic year.
The tax-free weekend exempts certain back-to-school items from Alabama’s 4% state sales tax. Additionally, more than 300 counties and municipalities across the state have opted in to waive local sales taxes as well, giving shoppers the chance to save up to 10% on qualifying purchases.
What’s Included
According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, the following items are eligible for tax exemption during the holiday:
Clothing and footwear priced $100 or less per item (including jeans, shirts, shoes, socks, uniforms, and jackets)
School supplies and instructional materials priced $50 or less per item (such as notebooks, crayons, binders, calculators, and art supplies)
Computers and related equipment priced $750 or less (including desktops, laptops, monitors, printers, and accessories)
Books priced $30 or less (including textbooks and educational workbooks)
Items must fall within the specified price limits after any discounts or coupons are applied to qualify for the tax break.
How to Maximize Savings
Retailers and consumer experts suggest shoppers prepare in advance to get the most from the weekend. “Families can save significantly if they plan their shopping lists ahead of time and check whether their local city or county is participating,” said Angela Simmons, a Birmingham-area retailer.
Purchases made online or via layaway also qualify, as long as they are paid for within the tax-free window. Additionally, retailers can still offer their own in-store promotions, allowing buyers to combine store discounts with the tax holiday for added savings.
Why It Matters
The tax-free weekend, first established in 2006, was created to help alleviate the financial burden on families during the back-to-school season and to support local businesses.
“This tax holiday provides real relief to working families and boosts small business sales at the same time,” said Karen Jenkins, spokesperson for the Alabama Retail Association.
In 2024, the event generated millions in retail activity, and similar results are expected this year as inflation pressures persist and parents continue to seek affordable options for school necessities.
Shopper Tips
Shop early: Popular items such as laptops and children’s shoes may sell out quickly.
Bring your list: Stick to school essentials to stay within budget.
Check your city’s status: Not every local government waives local tax, so verify participation on the Department of Revenue’s website.
Event Summary
When: Friday, July 18, 12:01 a.m. – Sunday, July 20, 11:59 p.m.
Where: Statewide in Alabama (local participation may vary)
What’s Tax-Free: Clothing ($100 or less), school supplies ($50 or less), computers ($750 or less), books ($30 or less)
For more information and a full list of qualifying items, visit revenue.alabama.gov.
