Summer Shopping Perks: Tax-Exempt Offers at Walmart and Apple for Back-to-School Items; Learn State, Dates, and Limitations
For the upcoming back-to-school season in 2025, several states are offering sales tax exemptions on computers and related electronic accessories during their sales tax holidays. These holidays, which usually last 2–3 days, can be beneficial for shoppers due to rising inflation.
Key states offering tax exemptions include Missouri, Florida, Alabama, and West Virginia. Each state has different rules regarding which electronic items qualify for the tax break and may have price limits.
In Missouri, the "Show-Me" State, the tax holiday from August 1-3, 2025, covers personal computers priced up to $1,500 and computer software up to $350. Florida offers a sales tax holiday all August 1-31, 2025, for computers up to $1,500, plus school supplies and clothing. Alabama's tax holiday is on July 18-20, 2025, and computer items under $750 qualify for tax exemption. West Virginia caps tax-free computer purchases at $500.
Other states with sales tax holidays covering computers typically have a price cap around $750 or $1,000 and restrict the period to a few days in late July or early August. For instance, in Arkansas, the tax holiday is on August 2-3, but it does not explicitly include computers; check the state links for more information.
Online purchases can sometimes qualify, but rules differ by state regarding shipping charges and retailer participation. Major retailers like Walmart and Apple are simplifying the shopping experience for tax-free holiday participants by offering an online catalogue of qualifying items.
It is essential to verify specific limits and definitions for "computer accessories" on the official state tax websites before shopping. In Tennessee, the sales tax holiday applies to computers and qualifying accessories with a sales price of $1,500 or less. In Massachusetts, purchases must be made for personal use and the item must be worth $2,500 or less to qualify for the tax break. The sales tax exemption does not apply to multiple items.
In Alabama, the total sales price of all exempt items cannot exceed $750, and examples of eligible items include Mac computers, keyboards, monitors, and iPads. In New Mexico, the sales tax holiday applies to computers with a sales price of $1,000 or less, and related items such as speakers, flash drives, and keyboards must have a value of $500 or less to qualify for the tax break.
In South Carolina, purchases must be for personal use to qualify for the tax exemption, and headphones, earbuds, and flash drives qualify for the tax break only if purchased for school use. In West Virginia, the sales tax holiday applies to tablet and laptop computers with a sales price of $500 or less.
In Ohio, the tax-free holiday applies to an individual item worth $500 or less. In states like Virginia, a tax break is available on Apple cell phone chargers and batteries with a sales price of $60 or less.
It is recommended to check the official state tax websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information on sales tax holidays. Shopping during these holidays can help consumers save on essential items like computers and electronics, making the back-to-school season a little more affordable.
- For the 2025 back-to-school season, several states including Missouri, Florida, Alabama, and West Virginia are offering sales tax exemptions on computers and related accessories.
- The "Show-Me" State, Missouri, has a tax holiday from August 1-3, 2025, covering personal computers priced up to $1,500 and computer software up to $350.
- Florida offers a sales tax holiday all August 1-31, 2025, for computers up to $1,500, plus school supplies and clothing.
- In Alabama, the tax holiday is on July 18-20, 2025, and computer items under $750 qualify for tax exemption.
- Online purchases can sometimes qualify for tax exemptions, but rules differ by state regarding shipping charges and retailer participation.
- In West Virginia, the sales tax holiday applies to tablet and laptop computers with a sales price of $500 or less.
- It is essential to verify specific limits and definitions for "computer accessories" on the official state tax websites before shopping during sales tax holidays.
