Offering tax exemptions on many items that students need for the upcoming school year. This event is designed to help families save on essential back-to-school purchases.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to do your back-to-school shopping, as you can get everything from computers to clothes to school supplies tax-free. It’s a great chance to save money,” said Trae Bodge, Smart Shopping Expert at TrueTrae.com.
During the sales tax holiday, the following items are exempt from tax:
- School supplies priced at $50 or less per item
- Learning aids costing $30 or less
- Clothes and shoes priced at $100 or less per item
- Personal computers and accessories priced at $1,500 or less per item
Before you dive into shopping, there are a few strategies to help you save even more.
“The first thing you should do before spending any money is check what you already have at home,” advised Sara Rathner, Personal Finance Expert for NerdWallet.
“Inspect your backpacks to see if there are any supplies that can be reused. Maybe the backpack just needs a good cleaning. Have your children try on their clothes to see if they still fit,” Bodge added.
Once you’ve assessed what you have, create a budget and a list of items you need to purchase.
“Buying a lot of items in a short period can be costly, but it’s also an opportunity to reduce expenses where possible,” Rathner explained.
Retailers often begin lowering prices around this time of year.
“I recommend shopping at big box stores like Target and Walmart for a variety of items. Wholesale clubs are also great, especially if you have multiple children—buying school supplies in bulk can save money. Don’t overlook off-price stores and dollar stores either,” Bodge suggested.
“For instance, Dollar General offers a wide range of school supplies, including many items priced at just $1 from brands like Crayola and Elmer’s. They also provide a 30% discount to teachers,” she added.
Be sure to search for coupons before you shop to find additional savings.
“One of my favorite coupon resources is CouponCabin, which offers deals for thousands of stores. Combining these coupons with cash-back credit cards can further reduce your total costs,” Rathner said.
Bodge also suggests giving your child a gift card if they’re old enough to shop independently.
“Allowing them to use their own money can lead to more careful spending. They’ll make thoughtful choices and stick to their budget,” Bodge noted.
Additionally, consider buying secondhand items.
“Check out local Goodwill or Salvation Army stores for gently used or even new items with tags. This can provide significant savings, allowing you to buy new items as well,” Bodge recommended.