As families prepare for the upcoming school year, 18 states are offering sales tax holidays between July and August to ease the financial burden of back-to-school shopping. These tax-free periods allow consumers to purchase certain school-related items without paying state sales tax, aiming to reduce costs amid ongoing concerns about inflation and rising expenses.

The sales tax holidays vary by state in terms of timing and eligible items. Mississippi was the first to implement the holiday, running from July 10 to 12, while Connecticut is scheduled to hold its tax-free period from August 16 to 22. Most states focus on providing tax relief for common school necessities such as clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics.

Some states have introduced notable changes this year. Ohio has scaled back its sales tax holiday from a 14-day event covering most tangible goods priced under $500 in 2025 to a three-day holiday this year. Virginia’s tax holiday has been expanded to include hurricane and emergency preparedness items, reflecting broader community safety concerns. Meanwhile, Massachusetts offers a wider range of tax-free items beyond traditional back-to-school goods. New Jersey has permanently discontinued its sales tax holiday, while Illinois reinstated its school supplies sales tax holiday in 2026 after a decade-long hiatus.

The timing of these holidays is designed to coincide with typical back-to-school purchasing patterns. Retail data shows that more shoppers began buying school supplies earlier this year compared to previous years. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 32% of back-to-school shoppers reported having started their shopping by early June—the highest early-shopping rate since NRF began tracking in 2018. This marks an increase from 26% in 2025.

Among demographic groups, younger consumers are driving this trend, with 40% of Gen Z and 42% of millennial shoppers starting their back-to-school purchases early. This is a notable rise from 31% for both groups in 2025. In comparison, 27% of Gen X and 20% of baby boomer shoppers reported early shopping in 2026, both modest increases from the previous year’s 24% and 18%, respectively.

The NRF suggests that increased preparedness may be contributing to earlier shopping, with 44% of shoppers stating they had already received their school supply lists by early June, up from 38% in 2025. As families navigate rising costs, these tax holidays aim to provide timely financial relief while accommodating evolving consumer behaviors.