Tennesseans can take advantage of back-to-school savings during this weekend’s July 28-30 traditional sales tax holiday.
“Tennessee’s commitment to strong fiscal stewardship has allowed our state to cut taxes and put dollars back in the pockets of hardworking Tennesseans,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “I encourage every Tennessee family to take advantage of back-to-school savings this weekend and thank the General Assembly for partnering to provide direct financial relief for taxpayers.”
This year, the traditional sales tax holiday will suspend state and local sales tax from Friday, July 28 through Sunday, July 30, giving Tennesseans the opportunity to save up to 9.75% on back-to-school items, including clothing, school supplies and computers.
The traditional sales tax holiday comes in addition to Gov. Lee’s Tennessee Works Tax Act, which includes a three-month grocery tax suspension this August 1 through October 31.
Clothing
Exempt items include:
• General apparel that costs $100 or less per item, such as shirts, pants, socks, shoes, dresses, etc.
Not exempt:
- Apparel items priced at more than $100
- Items sold together, such as shoes, cannot be split up to stay beneath the $100 maximum
- Items such as jewelry, handbags, or sports and recreational equipment
School supplies
Exempt:
- School and art supplies with a purchase price of $100 or less per item, such as binders, backpacks, crayons, paper, pens, pencils, and rulers, and art supplies such as glazes, clay, paints, drawing pads, and artist paintbrushes
Not exempt:
- School and art supplies individually priced at more than $100
- Items that are normally sold together cannot be split up to stay beneath the $100 maximum
Computers
Exempt:
- Computers for personal use with a purchase price of $1,500 or less
- Laptop computers, if priced at $1,500 or less, also qualify as well as tablet computers
Not exempt:
- Storage media, like flash drives and compact discs
- Individually purchased software
- Printer Supplies
- Household appliances
A sales tax holiday on food and food ingredients (grocery sales tax suspension) begins at 12:01 am on Monday, August 1, and ends at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, August 31. During this period, food and food ingredients may be purchased tax-free. Food and food ingredients purchased from a micro-market or vending machine remain subject to sales tax.
Food and food ingredients are defined as a liquid, concentrated, solid, frozen, dried, or dehydrated substances that are sold to be ingested or chewed by humans and are consumed for their taste or nutritional value. Food and food ingredients do not include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, candy, or dietary supplements.
