The 2026 back-to-school tax holidays begin in July and continue through August across 17 states and Puerto Rico. This guide compares dates, clothing and school-supply limits, computer exemptions, local-tax rules and key differences shoppers should check before purchasing.
July holidays start the 2026 season
Review the Illinois Tax Holiday Rules
Illinois offers a 10-day reduced-tax shopping period, but local sales taxes remain and eligibility rules apply. Review the complete Illinois tax holiday 2026 guide, including dates, qualifying purchases and the reduced state sales tax rate .
Back-to-school sales tax holidays are scheduled in 17 states and Puerto Rico in 2026, with different dates, price limits and local-tax rules. Mississippi ran from Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 12. Alabama followed from Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19, while Puerto Rico held its first period on Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18.
Florida runs from Monday, July 20, through Thursday, August 20. It covers clothing at $100 or less, school supplies at $50 or less, learning aids at $30 or less and qualifying computers at $1,500 or less. New Mexico and Tennessee run from Friday, July 31, through Sunday, August 2. West Virginia runs from Friday, July 31, through Monday, August 3.
Most holidays fall in August
Arkansas holds its holiday on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2. Illinois runs from Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 16, reducing the state rate by five percentage points instead of eliminating all sales tax.
See how much families can save during the Illinois tax holiday 2026, with examples based on different eligible shopping totals.
Iowa runs from Friday, August 7, through Saturday, August 8. Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia run from Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9. Maryland follows from Sunday, August 9, through Saturday, August 15. Connecticut runs from Sunday, August 16, through Saturday, August 22.
Spending limits vary by state
Illinois shoppers can review the complete Illinois tax holiday eligible and excluded items checklist before purchasing clothing, footwear, school supplies, computers or books.
Texas exempts qualifying clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100. Missouri allows clothing up to $100, school supplies up to $50 and computers up to $1,500. Ohio limits clothing to $75 and school supplies or instructional materials to $20.
Connecticut’s clothing and footwear limit rises to under $300 in 2026. Iowa and Oklahoma generally cover clothing and footwear under $100. Maryland covers clothing and footwear up to $100 and the first $40 of an eligible backpack.
Check local and online-purchase rules
Alabama local participation can vary, while Illinois local taxes remain due. Online purchases may qualify when payment is completed during the holiday, but shipping charges can push an item above a price limit.
Shoppers near state borders can compare the Illinois tax holiday with Iowa, Missouri and neighboring states in 2026, including dates, limits and local-tax rules.
Families should check their state revenue department before buying because product definitions and local-tax treatment determine the final savings.
