Tennessee shoppers can start planning their back-to-school runs, because the state’s annual sales tax holiday is on the calendar for the end of July.
The tax-free weekend kicks off at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, and runs through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 2. During that stretch, shoppers across the state can skip sales tax on a range of everyday purchases, from clothing to classroom essentials to certain electronics.
Here’s a breakdown of what typically qualifies, based on guidelines the state has published in previous years.
Clothing
General apparel priced under $100 per item is tax-free during the weekend. That includes shirts, pants, socks, shoes and dresses. Items priced above $100, along with jewelry, handbags and sports equipment, do not qualify for the exemption.
School Supplies
Backpacks, pencils, notebooks and art supplies priced under $100 each are exempt from sales tax during the holiday. School supplies priced above that threshold are not included.
Computers
Computers priced under $1,500, including laptops and tablets, qualify for the tax exemption. Storage media such as flash drives, printer supplies and household appliances are not covered.
Tennessee’s sales tax holiday has become an annual tradition ahead of the school year, giving families a window to stock up on classroom gear and everyday clothing without paying the state’s sales tax. Shoppers planning bigger purchases, like a new laptop for a student, may want to time those buys around the weekend to take advantage of the savings.
More details on qualifying items are expected to be released by the state closer to the date.