Back To School: Shop Early and Save With Tax Free Purchases

The summer season is passing by quickly and parents of school age children should begin planning the back-to-school season. In just a few short weeks the kids will be heading back to class and now is the time to think about back-to-school shopping. As with many special shopping seasons throughout the year, there are plenty of deals to be had by those who hit the stores early. Not only can parents benefit by a large selection from which to choose before the majority of shoppers hit the aisles, there are several states that encourage early school preparation with tax free shopping on special items. Here we look at some of the states that are provide extra savings to parents on tax free “holidays”.

August 6th and 7th 2010

In the states of Iowa and Louisiana, shoppers can take advantage of tax free shopping for special items. In Iowa, clothing and shoe purchases under $100 will be tax free, while in Louisiana with the exclusion of automobiles, meals and taxable services, any purchase under $2,500 will be exempt.

August 6th through 8th 2010

Alabama, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia will all be participating in tax free holidays. In most states, clothing and shoe purchases under $100 will be free from tax, while certain states extend tax free shopping to include back to school supplies, computers and computer equipment.

August 8th through 14th 2010

Maryland residents or those shopping in Maryland during this tax free period can purchase clothing and footwear under $100 without paying taxes.

August 13th through 15th 2010

These three days in August give Florida shoppers the opportunity to save on clothing, shoe and book purchases under $50. School supplies under $10 will also be exempt from tax.

August 15th through 21st 2010

Shoe and clothing purchases under $300 will be free from tax in the state of Connecticut.

August 20th through 22nd 2010

Texas will be offering residents and shoppers tax free purchases of clothing and footwear under $100. This includes backpacks and items on layaway.

There are some areas that offered tax free back to school shopping in previous years that will not be participating in tax free holidays this year. They include, Georgia and Washington D.C. Parents living in or close to the states offering tax free shopping on special dates should note that in some states individual towns and municipalities reserve the right to not participate. For this reason it is important to confirm tax free status before heading out, especially if you are making a special (or lengthy) trip to take advantage of these savings.