Sales Tax Holiday Calculator 2026

Check tax-free weekends and estimate savings on planned purchases.

✓ Free — No Signup✓ All 50 US States✓ Updated 2026 Rates
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❌ No active holiday
Next upcoming holidayBack-to-School — 2026-08-01
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For informational purposes only. Tax rates change frequently — verify with your state's Department of Revenue before filing. This tool is not a substitute for professional tax advice.

For informational purposes only. Tax rates change frequently — verify with your state's Department of Revenue before filing. This tool is not a substitute for professional tax advice.

· Rates verified quarterly from the Tax Foundation and state Departments of Revenue.

M. Imtinan Farooq — Data Engineer focused on financial data systems

Data methodology reviewed by M. Imtinan Farooq — Data Engineer focused on financial data systems.

Imtinan specializes in financial data systems and multi-state US sales tax modeling. With hands-on experience building data pipelines that cross-reference Tax Foundation datasets against state Department of Revenue publications, he ensures every rate on TaxesLedger is systematically verified and auditable. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Our 2026 data is audited quarterly against the latest Tax Foundation and Department of Revenue publications. This is an educational calculator, not tax, accounting, or legal advice.

Verified Data Sources: Tax Foundation · State DORs · Canada Revenue Agency · EU VAT Database

2026 US sales tax holidays

Reference table of every scheduled tax-free period.

StateHolidayDatesEligible items
FloridaBack-to-School2026-08-012026-08-10Clothing under $100; School supplies under $15; Computers under $1,500
TexasBack-to-School2026-08-072026-08-09Clothing and footwear under $100; School supplies under $100
FloridaDisaster Preparedness2026-06-012026-06-14Generators under $3,000; Gas containers; Tarps and waterproofing
TexasEmergency Preparation Supplies2026-04-252026-04-27Emergency supplies under $3,000; Portable generators
AlabamaBack-to-School2026-07-172026-07-19Clothing under $100; School supplies under $50; Computers under $750
MississippiBack-to-School2026-07-312026-08-01Clothing and footwear under $100
South CarolinaBack-to-School2026-08-072026-08-09Clothing; School supplies; Computers and accessories
TennesseeBack-to-School2026-07-312026-08-02Clothing under $100; School supplies under $100; Computers under $1,500
VirginiaEmergency Preparedness2026-08-022026-08-04Emergency supplies; Generators; Portable lights
MarylandShop Maryland Tax-Free Week2026-08-092026-08-15Clothing and footwear under $100

Not sure what rate your state normally charges? Check the US sales tax by state map for combined 2026 rates.

What is a sales tax holiday?

A sales tax holiday is a temporary period — usually a weekend — during which a state waives sales tax on specific categories of goods. Most fall into three buckets: back-to-school (clothing, school supplies, computers), emergency preparedness (generators, batteries, tarps), and energy-efficient appliances. Around 18 US states run at least one sales tax holiday each year, with the exact dates and eligible items varying by state.

How to maximize savings

Plan large category purchases — laptops, generators, kids' wardrobe refresh — around the holiday window in your state. Per-item caps usually apply (e.g., 'computers under $1,500'), so the savings ceiling is bounded. The largest single-purchase savings typically come from emergency-preparedness holidays in Florida and Texas where high-ticket generators are eligible.

Online vs in-store rules

Most states extend the holiday to online purchases as long as the order is placed and accepted during the holiday window — even if the item ships afterward. Marketplace sellers and major retailers handle the tax exemption automatically at checkout. Check your state's published rules before assuming an online order qualifies.

Common edge cases

Bundled items where part is eligible and part isn't are usually taxable in full. Layaway purchases generally qualify if final payment falls within the window. Returns made after the holiday but for items bought during it are refunded with no tax. Coupons applied before tax can push items under the per-item cap and into eligibility.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the most common questions users ask.

Which states are running sales tax holidays in 2026?

Approximately 18 states, including Florida, Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee, run annual holidays. These typically fall into three categories: Back‑to‑School (July/August), Emergency Preparedness (Spring), and Energy Star/Green holidays. See the 2026 schedule in the table above.

What specific items qualify for tax-free status?

Eligibility is strictly defined by each state. Common items include clothing under $100, school supplies, computers under $1,500, and disaster-relief supplies like generators and batteries. Check the per-item caps in the 2026 reference table.

How do online orders work during a tax holiday?

Most states extend the holiday to e-commerce if the order is placed and accepted during the window (destination-based). The transaction date matters more than the delivery date. TaxesLedger tracks these 2026 online compliance rules across all participating states.

Do local and special district taxes still apply?

Usually, the holiday waives both state and local rates. However, 'Home Rule' states (like Alabama or Colorado) may allow local jurisdictions to opt out of the holiday, meaning you might still pay the city/county portion.

Can I use coupons or discounts to get under the price cap?

Yes. If an item is $110 but a store coupon brings it down to $95 (below a $100 cap), it generally becomes tax-exempt. Manufacturer coupons, however, often don't reduce the price for tax-cap purposes.

How do layaway and installment payments work?

In 2026, most states allow layaway items to qualify if the final payment is made during the holiday window or if the item is placed on layaway during the holiday. This is a key scenario for reverse reconciliation.

What should I do if a retailer accidentally charges me tax?

You should request a refund directly from the retailer. If they refuse, you can typically file a claim for a refund of sales tax paid in error with your state's Department of Revenue.

🏛️ IRS Official📊 Tax Foundation

Official Sources & Citations

All rates, thresholds, and regulatory guidance cited on this page are sourced from official government publications and non-partisan research institutions.

Federal & National Sources

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IRS Sales Tax Calculator

The official Internal Revenue Service tool for determining deductible state and local sales tax for federal income tax purposes.

irs.gov
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U.S. Census Bureau

Official government repository for quarterly state and local tax revenue statistics and government finance data.

census.gov
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Supreme Court — Wayfair Decision

The official government opinion for South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., establishing modern economic nexus standards for remote sellers.

supremecourt.gov
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SBA Business Tax Guide

Official Small Business Administration guidance on understanding federal and state tax obligations for small business owners.

sba.gov
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Streamlined Sales Tax Board

The official inter-governmental organization facilitating the simplification of sales tax administration across 24 member states.

streamlinedsalestax.org

State Departments of Revenue

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California CDTFA

Official CA tax rates portal, address-specific lookup tools, and district tax publications.

cdtfa.ca.gov
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Texas Comptroller

The official Texas sales tax rate locator, local jurisdiction database, and nexus guidance.

comptroller.texas.gov
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New York Tax & Finance

Official NY jurisdiction lookup for combined state, local, and MTA rates, and clothing exemptions.

tax.ny.gov
☀️

Florida Dept. of Revenue

Official FL resource for state sales tax rates, county surtaxes, and annual tax holidays.

floridarevenue.com
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MyTax Illinois

Official Illinois Department of Revenue portal for address-based tax rate lookups and filings.

tax.illinois.gov
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Pennsylvania Revenue

Official PA portal for sales, use, and hotel occupancy tax rates and regulatory guidance.

revenue.pa.gov
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Ohio 'The Finder'

Official Ohio Department of Taxation tool for looking up rates by address, ZIP, or GPS coordinates.

thefinder.tax.ohio.gov
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Georgia Dept. of Revenue

Official Georgia sales and use tax rate charts and local jurisdiction tax distribution data.

dor.georgia.gov
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North Carolina DOR

Official NCDOR portal for state, local, and transit tax rates by county and jurisdiction.

ncdor.gov
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Michigan Treasury

Official Michigan Department of Treasury resources for the statewide 6% sales and use tax.

michigan.gov

TaxesLedger is an independent educational tool. We are not affiliated with any government agency. Rates are verified quarterly; always confirm with your jurisdiction's official Department of Revenue before filing. Last verification: May 15, 2026.

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