Back to School Tax Free Holidays for 2012

2012’s Back to School Tax Free Holiday is almost upon us. This holiday allows consumers to buy various school related items without paying taxes on certain merchandise. The holiday last anywhere from two days to one week; however, not all states observe back to school tax free holidays.

Even though this time is both fun and exciting, it can  be very expensive too. Thus, many states have reserved these tax free days to help families save money for the upcoming school year. Below is a list of the states and the days that will be tax free in 2012.

Every state’s back to school tax free holiday is different, see below to find out about what savings your state is offering.

• Alabama – (Tax Free Weekend) August 3-5. Applies to: Clothes under $100, School supplies under $50, books under $30, and computer related items priced under $750
• Arkansas – (Tax Free Weekend) August 4-5. Applies to: Clothes and School supplies under $100
• Connecticut – (Tax Free Week) August 19-25. Applies to: Clothes and Footwear under $100
• Florida – (Tax Free Weekend) August 3-5. Applies to: Clothes under $75 and School supplies under $15
• Georgia – (Tax Free Weekend) August 10-11. Applies to: Clothes under $100, School supplies under $20, and computer related items priced under $1,000
• Iowa – (Tax Free Weekend) August 3-4. Applies to: Clothes under $100
• Louisiana – (Tax Free Weekend) August 3-4. Applies to: Tangible personal property for non-business (which is most items) under $2,500
• Maryland – (Tax Free Weekend) August 12-18. Applies to: Clothes and Footwear under $100
• Mississippi – (Tax Free Weekend) July 27-28. Applies to: Clothes and Footwear under $100
• Missouri – (Tax Free Weekend) August 3-5. Applies to: Clothes under $100, School supplies under $50, and computer related items priced under $3,500
• New Mexico – (Tax Free Weekend) August 3-5. Applies to: Clothes under $100, School supplies under $50, and computer related items priced under $1,000
• North Carolina – (Tax Free Weekend) August 3-5. Applies to: Clothes under $100, School supplies under $100, Instructional material under $300, Sports equipment under $50, Computers under $3,000, and computer related items priced under $250
• Oklahoma – (Tax Free Weekend) August 3-5. Applies to: Clothes under $100
• South Carolina – (Tax Free Weekend) August 3-5. Applies to: Clothes, School supplies, and computers
• Tennessee – (Tax Free Weekend) August 3-5. Applies to: Clothes under $100, School supplies under $100, and computer related items priced under $1,500
• Texas – (Tax Free Weekend) August 17-19. Applies to: Clothes , Backpacks, and School supplies under $100
• Virginia – (Tax Free Weekend) August 3-5. Applies to: Clothes under $100 and School supplies under $20

The best way to maximize your savings during back to school time is to prepare a list of all of the items you need.

Back to school tax free holiday savings tips:

1. School supply list can often be found online at your child’s school website or at a local Walmart.
2. Go through the items you may still have from last school year and see if they are still in good condition, only replace items as need.
3. Do an inventory of your child’s clothes and come of with a list of clothes that your child will need.
4. Follow Staples penny deals and take advantage of reviewing local ads at office supply stores throughout the summer.
5. Don’t forget about checking local thrift and discount stores to find some items at cheaper prices.

* This information was gathered from: the Federation of Tax Administrators

Related Posts: 10 Tips for Saving Money on School Supplies

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Reader Response: Do you take advantage of Back to School Tax Free Holidays in your state?