What Is a Sales Tax Holiday?

July 20, 2022
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Every year, consumers eagerly await sales tax holidays, looking forward to a chance to snag tax-free deals on everything from back-to-school supplies to energy-efficient appliances. But while these temporary exemptions are a boon for shoppers, they can create a maze of challenges for businesses.

Whether you’re a small retailer or a large ecommerce store, understanding how these holidays work and how to navigate the rules can save you time, money, and headaches. In this article, we’ll break down what a sales tax holiday is, why states offer them, how they impact businesses, and how to ensure you’re compliant during these high-demand periods.

So, What is a Sales Tax Holiday?

A sales tax holiday is a specified time period where products that would normally be taxable become exempt from sales tax. Almost 20 states offer sales tax holidays each year (the exact number of states actually depends on whether some states implement new holidays or allow existing holidays to expire).·

Why Do States Offer Sales Tax Holidays?

Sales tax holidays that apply to several products do exist, but the main idea of a tax-free period in most states is usually for one of the following reasons:·

  • School subsidies at the start of a new term (specified clothing and school supplies)·
  • Disaster preparedness (specified supplies to help taxpayers weather floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes)·
  • Carbon neutral / “Green” initiatives (specified energy-efficient products)·
  • Health, hygiene, and welfare·
  • Second Amendment (specified ammunition, guns, and hunting supplies)

Which States Have Sales Tax Holidays in 2024?

| State | Holiday Name | Dates | Qualifying Items | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Alabama | Severe Weather Preparedness | Feb 23–25, 2024 | Portable generators (≤$1,000), Supplies (≤$60, e.g., batteries, duct tape) | | | Back-to-School | Jul 19–21, 2024 | Books (≤$30), Clothing (≤$100), Computers/software (≤$750), School supplies (≤$50) | | Alaska | No state sales tax but local tax holidays | N/A | Retail goods in Skagway (Oct 1, 2023–Mar 31, 2024) | | Arkansas | Sales Tax Holiday | Aug 3–4, 2024 | Clothing (≤$100), Accessories (≤$50), Electronics, School supplies (no price restriction) | | Connecticut | Sales Tax Free Week | Aug 18–24, 2024 | Clothing/footwear (≤$100) | | Florida | Impact-Resistant Products | Jul 1, 2022–Jun 30, 2024 | Impact-resistant doors, windows, garage doors | | | Back-to-School | Jan 1–14, 2024 | Clothing, wallets, bags (≤$100), School supplies (≤$50), Computers (≤$1,500) | | | Energy Star Products | Jul 1, 2023–Jun 30, 2024 | Energy Star appliances (e.g., washers, dryers, fridges) | | | Disaster Preparedness | Jun 1–14 & Aug 24–Sept 6, 2024 | Generators (≤$3,000), Tarps, Coolers, Batteries, Pet supplies | | | Freedom Month | Jul 1–31, 2024 | Tickets, Outdoor gear (e.g., bicycles, tents, camping stoves), Pool supplies | | | Back-to-School | Jul 29–Aug 11, 2024 | Personal computers (≤$1,500), Clothing (≤$100), School supplies (≤$50) | | | Tool Time | Sept 1–7, 2024 | Power tools, Ladders, Work boots (various price limits) | | Iowa | Sales Tax Holiday | Aug 2–3, 2024 | Clothing/footwear (≤$100) | | Louisiana | Second Amendment | Sept 6–8, 2024 | Ammunition, Firearms, Hunting supplies | | Maryland | Shop Maryland Energy Weekend | Feb 17–19, 2024 | Energy Star products, Solar water heaters | | | Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week | Aug 11–17, 2024 | Clothing (≤$100), Backpacks (first $40 exempt) | | Massachusetts | Sales Tax Holiday | Aug 10–11, 2024 | Most tangible items (≤$2,500) | | Mississippi | Sales Tax Holiday | Jul 12–14, 2024 | Clothing/footwear (≤$100), School supplies (≤$100) | | | Second Amendment | Aug 30–Sept 1, 2024 | Firearms, Ammunition, Hunting supplies | | Missouri | Show Me Green | Apr 19–25, 2024 | Energy Star products (≤$1,500) | | | Back-to-School | Aug 2–4, 2024 | Clothing (≤$100), Computers (≤$1,500), School supplies (≤$50) | | Nevada | Nevada Day | Oct 25–27, 2024 | Tangible items (specific limits unspecified) |

How Sales Tax Holidays Impact Businesses

The details of each tax holiday vary by state. It doesn’t really matter what products qualify for the temporary exemption, consumers always love tax-free periods since the goods they buy become cheaper. Most businesses don’t hate the holidays since they boost demand as consumers shop more, so it usually helps their sales.

However, sales tax holidays can be a pain in the backside for businesses because they have to update their systems to ensure tax isn’t charged on those sales during the tax-free period. It gets even more painful, but in some states, local governments aren’t required to participate in sales tax holidays, so retailers might be forced to exempt the state portion of the tax, but apply some local sales taxes.

Some tax exemptions during the holiday are based on value, so a product that is less than $50 might be exempt, but anything more and the tax still applies. Finally, sellers must also understand how the tax holiday impacts the taxability of shipping and other ancillary charges.

There is a lot to consider, so as always, it might be worth asking an expert to see the most practical and compliant way to deal with these holidays

Practical Tips for Businesses During Sales Tax Holidays

  • Stay updated: Check which states are offering sales tax holidays and ensure you understand the specific rules in each.
  • Review product eligibility: Know which products qualify and their respective price thresholds.
  • Consult a tax expert: Given the complexity, it’s worth reaching out to a tax professional (like us!) to ensure full compliance during these periods.

Conclusion

While sales tax holidays can offer great opportunities for consumers to save money, they present a unique set of challenges for businesses. From navigating varying state and local rules to adjusting systems and handling exemptions, staying compliant can be a complicated task.

However, with the right preparation, businesses can make the most of these events, boosting sales and improving customer satisfaction. Whether you’re dealing with tax-free back-to-school shopping or disaster preparedness, it’s essential to stay informed and seek expert guidance to avoid costly mistakes. By staying proactive and understanding the ins and outs of sales tax holidays, you can ensure your business remains compliant and takes full advantage of these temporary exemptions.

The information in this article is true to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing, but sales tax regulations can change very quickly. You should always consult a tax professional for legal advice.

FAQs about US Sales Tax

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