Save money with these 2024 state tax holidays

Want to save a little more at the cash register? Shoppers can take advantage of state sales tax holidays throughout the year and skip paying the tax on certain purchases. Twenty-one states

and Puerto Rico offer sales tax holidays on products ranging from energy-efficient appliances to items, like batteries and flashlights, you need to prepare for a disaster. Looking for a

kayak or surfboard? How about a new computer for your college student or ski boots for your next vacation? Some states have you covered. These no-tax sales events can be days, weekends or

even a full year during which states don’t charge that extra bit on particular items. Most of the holidays fall into three categories: disaster preparedness, energy-efficient appliances and

back to school (and you don’t have to have a child or be in school yourself to take advantage). In some states, shoppers can find deals on clothes and shoes, art supplies or backpacks.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SALES TAX HOLIDAYS * Alabama, July 19–21 * Arkansas, Aug. 3–4 * Connecticut, Aug. 18–24 * Florida, July 29–Aug. 11 * Iowa, Aug. 2–3 * Maryland, Aug. 11–17 * Mississippi, July

12–14 * Missouri, Aug. 2–4 * New Jersey, Aug. 24–Sept. 2 * New Mexico, Aug. 2–4 * Oklahoma, Aug. 2–4 * Puerto Rico, July 19-20 and Jan. 10-11, 2025 * South Carolina, Aug. 2–4 * Tennessee,

July 26–28 * Texas, Aug. 9–11 * West Virginia, Aug. 2–5 Tax-free holidays have both fans and naysayers. Proponents like Brooke Lierman, the Maryland state comptroller, say consumers use

sales tax holidays to keep more money in their wallets and stimulate the economy. When Maryland residents buy an energy-efficient dishwasher during the tax holiday, for example, it’s “a win

for their pocketbooks [and] a win for our energy needs and for the environment,” she says. Critics note that only certain items are included and that the economy sees only a shift in buying

patterns, not a boost. “A better policy might be to reduce the rate and broaden the [tax] base,” says Manish Bhatt, senior policy analyst for the Tax Foundation, an independent think tank.

Browse our guide to sales tax holidays to find savings in your state. ALABAMA _Disaster or emergency preparedness items, Feb. 23–25_ What’s included: Items needed in severe weather, like

portable generators and power cords, that cost $1,000 or less as well as batteries, plywood and smoke detectors that cost $60 or less. Check if your county or municipality participates,

because not all do.  _Back to school, July 19–21_ What’s included: Clothing that costs $100 or less; computers up to $750 and computer software; school supplies and art supplies; books.

Check if your county or municipality participates. ALASKA _Municipality of Skagway, Oct. 1, 2023–March 31, 2024_ What’s included: Most retail items sold in Skagway. ARKANSAS _Back to school,

Aug. 3–4_ What’s included: Clothes and shoes that cost up to $100; accessories that cost less than $50; school and art supplies; electronic devices for students. CONNECTICUT _Back to

school, Aug. 18–24_ What’s included: Clothing and footwear that costs less than $100. FLORIDA _Disaster or emergency preparedness, June 1–June 14 and Aug. 24–Sept. 6_ What’s included:

Portable generators that cost up to $3,000; tarps, pet carriers, dog or cat food weighing 50 pounds or less and over-the-counter pet medications that cost up to $100; carbon monoxide

detectors, smoke alarms or detectors and fire extinguishers that cost up to $70; coolers and portable power banks that cost $60 or less; portable or two-way radios, gas tanks, batteries that

cost up to $50; flashlights, lanterns and pet beds that cost up to $40; cat litter; pet leashes; pet collars; reusable ice; can openers; travel or collapsible water bowls for pets; cat

litter pans; pet waste disposable bags; and wet dog or cat food. _Energy-efficient appliances, July 1, 2023–June 20, 2024_ What’s included: Refrigerators or combination refrigerator-freezer

units that cost $4,500 or less; water heaters, washing machines or clothes dryers that cost $1,500 or less. _Gas ranges and cooktops, July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024_ What’s included: Gas ranges

or cooktops fueled by combustible gas. Outdoor gas grills, camping stoves or other portable stoves are not included. _Back to school, July 29–Aug. 11_ What’s included: Personal computers and

computer accessories that cost up to $1,500; clothing, footwear and accessories that cost up to $100; school supplies; learning aids and jigsaw puzzles.  _Freedom Sales Tax Holiday, July

1–31_ What’s included: Summer-related items like fishing, camping, boating, water and outdoor activity supplies; admission to state parks, museums and events or performances; outdoor

recreation equipment, including canoes, kayaks and surfboards.