ALABAMA, USA — While the start of the 2021-2022 school year will look very different from 2020, some things never change, like the need for school supplies. You can bring down your back-to-school bill by shopping during Alabama's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which goes from July 16, 2021 at 12:00 a.m. to July 18, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
Most people know the basics of what is tax-free: clothes, school supplies, and electronics. But you might be surprised by some of the things on the list, like diapers, pajamas, robes, and sandals; art supplies like paint, paint brushes, sketchpads, and clay and glazes; and reference maps and globes.
On the other hand, things you might think would be on the tax-exempt list are not, like hair accessories, watches, and sports supplies like cleats and goggles; furniture; and magazines and newspapers. Briefcases are not exempt, but book bags and backpacks are. Computers up to $750 are exempt, but mice, keyboards, and other peripherals are not. Hats and caps? Yes. Umbrellas? No.
Also, the Sales Tax Holiday only applies to state sales tax. Depending on where you are, you still might have to pay local sales tax. There are also price limits on some items, although not on the number you can buy:
- Clothing: Items costing $100 or less
- School Supplies: Items costing $50 or less
- Computers/Computer Equipment: $750 or less (single purchase)
- Books: Items costing $30 or less
- Textbooks: Items costing between $30 and $50
To see participating localities, click here.
For a list of items and their status, click here.