By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY — Alabama shoppers will have an opportunity to stretch their back-to-school budgets when the state’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday returns July 17-19.
The three-day tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 17, and continues through midnight Sunday, July 19. During the event, shoppers can purchase qualifying school-related items without paying the state’s 4% sales tax. Many cities and counties also participate by waiving their local sales taxes, increasing savings for families.
This year’s tax holiday includes expanded price limits approved by the Alabama Legislature. Eligible clothing priced at $156 or less per item, school supplies, school art supplies, instructional materials priced at $78 or less per item, and books costing $47 or less qualify for the exemption. Computers, computer software, and qualifying computer supplies purchased for $1,173 or less are also eligible.
Items commonly purchased during the weekend include backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, calculators, lunch boxes, binders, crayons, markers, rulers, scissors, and many classroom supplies. Certain computer accessories, printers, printer ink, and required textbooks also qualify under the state’s guidelines.
State officials encourage shoppers to review the list of participating cities and counties before making purchases, as local governments must opt into the program each year. Families shopping online can also receive the tax exemption if qualifying purchases are made during the designated holiday period.
The annual sales tax holiday has become a popular tradition for Alabama families preparing students for the new school year, providing an opportunity to save money on essential classroom supplies while easing the financial burden of back-to-school shopping.