The end of summer signals the start of a new school year, and with it comes Tennessee’s annual tax-free weekend. This year, from July 31 to August 2 families can enjoy savings on a variety of back-to-school essentials. The Tennessee Department of Revenue has outlined the details, ensuring that parents and students can make the most of this opportunity.
This event is more than just a shopping spree; it’s a chance to alleviate the financial burden of preparing for the new academic year. Whether you’re stocking up on clothing, school supplies, or even computers, understanding the rules and eligible items is crucial to maximizing your savings.
Eligible Items and Exemptions
The tax-free weekend covers a wide range of items, but there are specific guidelines to follow. The exemptions apply to clothing, school supplies, and computers for personal use. It’s important to note that items must be purchased for personal use and not for business or trade.
Clothing Exemptions
When it comes to clothing, the exemptions are straightforward. General apparel such as shirts, pants, socks, shoes, and dresses that cost $100 or less per item are eligible. However, there are some exceptions. Items costing more than $100, as well as those sold together (like shoes), cannot be split up to stay under the $100 maximum. Additionally, jewelry, handbags, and sports/recreational equipment are not exempt.
School Supplies Exemptions
School and art supplies are also part of the tax-free weekend. Items like binders, backpacks, crayons, paper, pens, pencils, and rulers that cost $100 or less per item qualify for the exemption. Art supplies such as glazes, clay, paints, drawing pads, and artist paintbrushes are included as well. However, school and art supplies costing more than $100 per item are not exempt, and items normally sold together cannot be split up to stay under $100.
Computer Exemptions
For those looking to purchase computers, laptops, and tablets costing $1,500 or less are eligible for the tax exemption. This is a great opportunity to invest in essential technology for the school year. However, storage media like flash drives and compact discs, individually priced software, printer supplies, and household appliances are not exempt.
Online Shopping and Additional Information
One of the conveniences of this tax-free weekend is that items sold online are also eligible. This means you can shop from the comfort of your home and still enjoy the savings. All purchases must be completed during the tax-free weekend to qualify. If you pay sales tax on qualifying items during this period, you can request a refund from the seller or file a claim directly with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
To ensure you make the most of this opportunity, it’s advisable to visit the TDR’s website for a comprehensive list of eligible and non-eligible items. This will help you plan your shopping and avoid any surprises at the checkout.
The tax-free weekend has been a staple in Tennessee for two decades, providing significant financial relief for families. As Gov. Bill Lee noted, this event is a testament to the state’s commitment to fiscal stewardship and direct financial relief for taxpayers. By taking advantage of this opportunity, families can better prepare for the upcoming school year without the added stress of high costs.
