Know before you shop Tennessee’s tax-free holiday weekend: What is and isn’t tax-free?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Tennessee’s big shopping weekend is just days away. From Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28, the state will have its annual sales tax holiday.

During the holiday, Tennesseans can save nearly 10% on qualifying clothing, school supplies and computers, according to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

According to the state, shoppers can purchase clothes and school supplies tax-free if they are priced at $100 or less and buy computers tax-free if they are $1500 or less.

“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 and thank the General Assembly for partnering to provide direct financial relief for taxpayers.”

What is tax-free?

• General apparel that costs $100 or less per item, such as shirts, pants, socks, shoes, dresses, etc.
• School and art supplies with a purchase of $100 or less per item including the following:
  • Binders
  • Backpacks
  • Crayons
  • Paper
  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • Rulers
  • Art supplies
• Computers for personal use with a purchase of $1500 or less
• Laptop computers, if priced at $1500 or less, as well as tablet computers
• Prom dresses
• Scout uniforms
• Shawls and wraps
• Ski masks
• Sleepwear
• Socks, stockings, suspenders
• Textbooks
• Ties/neckwear
• Tuxedo
• Undergarments
• Underwear
• Uniforms: Athletic or non-athletic
• Vests, except for hunting or weather
• Wedding gowns: $100 or less rule applies
• Workbooks

For a full list of exempt items, click here.

What isn’t tax-free?

• Apparel that costs more than $100
• Art supplies sold together cannot be split up to stay beneath $100
• Ballet or tap shoes
• Belt buckles
• Breathing masks
• Bridal apparel, other than gowns or veils
• Briefcases
• Cell phones
• Computer Software
• Computer storage
• Cosmetics
• Electronic readers
• Emblems
• Hair notions
• Hard hats
• Hearing protectors
• Household appliances
• Items sold together, such as shoes, cannot be split up to stay beneath the $100 maximum
• Jewelry and handbags
• Maps
• Paints that are not defined as school art supplies
• Paintbrushes not used for artwork
• Patches
• Printer supplies: Printer ink, paper, supplies, etc.
• Protective and sports goggles
• Protective and sports gloves
• Reference books
• Safety glasses
• School and art supplies individually priced at more than $100
• Sewing equipment and supplies: Fabric, yarn, sewing needles
• Sports and recreational equipment
  • Roller and ice skates
  • Ski boots
  • Skin diving suits
  • Sports guards
• Storage media including flash drives and compact disks
• Tool belts
• Video game consoles
• Wallets
• Zippers

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