Photo credit: Julie Vennitti Botos via Imagn Content Services
There is a familiar scene that plays out in many Black households every August. One child needs a new backpack because last year’s has a hole in it. Another has suddenly outgrown every pair of school trousers over the summer. The school supply list keeps getting longer: new shoes, socks, jackets, and somehow, there is always one item you forgot until the weekend before school starts.
For many parents, back-to-school shopping is one of the biggest household expenses of the year. And with the cost of living going up, every dollar saved matters. That is why millions of American families look forward to back-to-school sales tax holidays. This is a limited period during which participating states temporarily remove state sales tax on selected purchases.
Unlike coupons or rebate programs, you do not need to fill out forms or apply for anything. You just walk in or shop online. If your purchase qualifies, the tax is automatically removed at checkout.
Depending on where you live, eligible items may include school uniforms, children’s clothing, shoes, backpacks, notebooks, pens and pencils, calculators, art supplies, and laptops.
For Black families, these tax-free weekends can make a meaningful difference. Whether you are preparing your child for his first day in school, sending a teenager back to high school, or helping a college freshman settle into campus life, knowing exactly what qualifies and when to shop can save you some dollars.
Some states have held theirs in the past few weeks, and some others are still on. We have put together a list of the states currently offering tax‑free holidays this August. Also included are the dates, eligible items, and price limits, so Black families can plan ahead.
Connecticut Sales Tax Holiday: August 16-22
Black families in Connecticut preparing for the upcoming school year will once again benefit from the state’s annual sales tax holiday, which lasts an entire week.
What items qualify for the Connecticut tax holiday?
Clothing and footwear priced under $300 per item. Backpacks of any type priced under $300. Cleated shoes, soccer cleats, football cleats, baseball cleats, qualify for the first time in 2026.
Special clothing or footwear primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use are not included, and accessories, including jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches, and similar items, remain taxable.
Read also: What Philadelphia’s Black Parents Are Asking Schools to Fix
Photo credit: nbcmiami.com
Florida Sales Tax Holiday: July 20-August 20
Black parents have an entire month to spread purchases instead of rushing through one weekend. Tax-exempt items for the 2026 back-to-school sales tax holiday include personal computers or personal computer-related accessories purchased for non-commercial home or personal use having a sales price of $1,500 or less, clothing, footwear, and accessories ($100 or less per item), learning aids and jigsaw puzzles ($30 or less per item), wallets and bags ($100 or less), and school supplies ($50 or less per item).
The sales tax holiday, however, does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. It also does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or airport.
Illinois Sales Tax Holiday: August 7-16
Before you plan around it, note that Illinois does not remove the sales tax like others but rather reduces the rate from 6.25 to 1.25%. Eligible items include clothing and footwear priced at $125 or less, as well as school, art, instructional, and computer supplies.
Non-qualifying items include certain footwear, such as dance or athletic shoes and roller/ice skates; certain art supplies, such as clay/glazes, paint, and sketch/drawing pads; and electronics, such as computers, computer supplies, and cell phones.
Maryland Sales Tax Holidays: August 9-15
Shoppers have a full week to buy school clothing and footwear without paying the state’s 6% sales tax. During this week, qualifying apparel and footwear priced at $100 or less per item are tax-free. The first $40 of a backpack or bookbag purchase is also exempt from the state sales tax.
The exemption does not apply to watches, jewelry, handbags, wallets, protective sports equipment, sports uniforms not suitable for everyday wear, and accessories costing more than the qualifying limit.
Another Maryland Tax-Free Week promotion is a video contest. Shoppers stand a chance to win cash prizes of $250, $500, and $1,000. All they have to do is film a short video showing their tips for saving money during Maryland’s Tax-Free Week and post it on social media.
For Black families balancing rising grocery prices, childcare costs, and household bills, every dollar saved can go towards something else that matters. The key is preparation. Know your state’s dates, understand what qualifies, set a budget, and shop early.
