Save with Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekends and AAFES
During the back-to-school season, there are plenty of ways to save money on school supplies, clothing, and computers. We explore some of the options below.
Exchange Offering Extra Savings for the School Year
The Army & Air Force Exchange Services announced that Exchange shoppers can take advantage of extra savings during this year’s back-to-school shopping season.
Some Exchanges participate in the sales-tax holiday by offering discounts on eligible back-to-school items. The discount will be equal to the local sales tax rate in the area of the participating Exchange.
Currently, military members and their dependents do not pay sales tax when shopping at the Exchange, so they have chosen to use this opportunity to offer an extra discount based on local sales tax rates.
This added discount will be a welcome opportunity to save money on school supplies. It is important to remember that this discount is only being offered in stores and not online.
States with Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekends
During state tax-free weekends, you can shop for items such as clothing, shoes, and school supplies without paying state sales tax. Many states offer tax-free shopping days and might have slightly different rules for what qualifies.
The sales-tax holiday discount is offered on select dates in different states where certain back-to-school items (and other products) are free of state sales tax. Below is a list of participating states, scheduled discount dates, and items available for discount.
List of States with Tax-Free Holidays for Back-to-School
Alabama – July 18-20
Clothing, computers, school supplies, and books.
Alaska
October 1, 2024-March 31, 2025, in the municipality of Skagway.
Arkansas – Aug 2-3
Clothing and school supplies.
Connecticut – Aug 17-23
Clothing and footwear.
Florida – Aug 1-31
Clothing, school supplies, and computers.
Iowa – Aug 1-2
Clothing and shoes
Maryland – Aug 10-16
Clothing, footwear, and backpacks.
Massachusetts – Dates to be announced
All “personal use” retail items, no dates listed at press time.
Mississippi – Jul 11-13 or dates to be announced.
Clothing and footwear. Dates are from last year, new dates unavilable at press time.
Missouri – Aug 1-3 or TBA
Clothing, computers, computer equipment, and school supplies. These are last year’s dates, new dates are unavailable at press time.
Nevada Oct. 31-Nov. 2 or TBA
Tax-free purchases for all National Guard members.
New Mexico – Jul. 25-27
Clothing, computers, computer equipment, and school supplies.
Ohio – Aug 1-14
Clothing and school supplies.
Oklahoma – Aug 1-3
Clothing and shoes
South Carolina – Aug 1-3
Clothing, school supplies and computers.
Tennessee – July 25-27
Clothing, school supplies, and computers.
Texas – Aug. 8-10
Clothing, backpacks, and school supplies.
Virginia – Aug. 1-3
Clothing, school supplies, energy star products, hurricane preparedness items, and generators.
West Virginia – Aug 1-4
Clothing, school supplies, sports equipment, computers, and tablets.
AAFES Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend Offer Additional Savings
At AAFES, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, you can shop tax-free every day. During tax-free weekends you may find an additional percentage off depending on location. This added discount is typically equal to your state’s tax rate.
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About the author
Lori Waddell serves as Co-director of an emergency response COAD in Montana, a freelance writer, and an Air Force Key Spouse. She is passionate about empowering communities and individuals through knowledge and resources. She currently lives in Montana with her husband and two children.
Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.