Ivey Urges Families to Use Tax-Free Back To School Weekend

As Alabama families prepare for the start of a new school year, Governor Kay Ivey is encouraging shoppers to take advantage of the State's annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which begins Friday, July 17, and runs through Sunday, July 19.

During the three-day event, qualifying school supplies, clothing, books, computers and other eligible items may be purchased free of Alabama's 4% State sales tax. Many cities and counties will also waive their local sales taxes, increasing the savings for families.

"Quality education is essential to continuing the historic momentum that Alabama is experiencing," Ivey said. "Successful students need to be properly equipped for the classroom, and this tax-free weekend makes school supplies more accessible to families across our State. An investment in our students is an investment in the future of Alabama."

This year's sales tax holiday comes with expanded exemption limits following legislation approved during the 2025 Regular Session and signed into law by Ivey. The measure increased the dollar limits on many qualifying purchases and tied those thresholds to future changes in the Consumer Price Index, allowing the exemptions to better keep pace with inflation.

Eligible purchases include common classroom items such as pencils, notebooks, paper, binders, calculators and rulers, along with school uniforms, books and many computer purchases that fall within the updated price limits. The Alabama Department of Revenue has published a complete list of qualifying items, which is available at THIS LINK, and is attached below.

Revenue Commissioner Mary Martin Mitchell encouraged families to make the most of the weekend.

"We're excited for this tax-free opportunity allowing Alabama families to save their hard-earned money while helping students get what they need for school," Mitchell said. "ALDOR encourages everyone in Alabama to make the most of this tax-free holiday, and we look forward to the great things students will accomplish this school year."

Although the State sales tax exemption applies Statewide, participation in local sales tax exemptions is optional. Many counties and municipalities have elected to waive their local sales and use taxes during the same three-day period, while others have not. Shoppers are encouraged to verify whether their local government is participating before making large purchases.

The annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday has become a summer tradition in Alabama, giving families a chance to reduce the cost of preparing students for the classroom before the new school year begins. This year's holiday starts at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 17, and ends at midnight Sunday, July 19.