Get a Pass on Back-to-School Sales Tax This Weekend

School bells will be ringing soon, so that means it is time for the annual back-to-school sales tax holiday. The third weekend in Jul,y school tax exemption begins at one minute past midnight tonight and ends at midnight this Sunday. Tuscaloosa, Northport, and most cities and towns across West Alabama will again be participating in the tax holiday.

In a press release from the governor's office, Kay Ivey wrote, “A new school year brings new opportunities, and we want every Alabama student to step into the classroom ready to learn and succeed,” said Governor Ivey. “This tax holiday is one more way we’re supporting our Alabama families and reinforcing the importance of education across our state. When we invest in our students and equip them for success, we’re building a stronger future for all of Alabama.”

Basic school items such as pencils, paper, binders, calculators, and rulers will be covered by the tax holiday but so will more expensive items such as computers, books, and school uniforms.

There is a limit on items that are eligible, including: $100 or less per item of clothing (including diapers) or footwear, $50 or less per item for certain school supplies, $750 or less on single purchases of computers/computer equipment, and $30 or less on any book. $50 or less on textbooks.

A list of items eligible for the tax holiday can be found HERE.

The Alabama Department of Revenue required all jurisdictions in the state planning to participate in the tax holiday to submit a copy of the local ordinance or resolution adopting the tax waiver. The list of jurisdictions that committed to the tax holiday can be found HERE.

The original sales tax holiday was approved by the Alabama Legislature in 2006 but was moved to July because so many school systems were beginning the school year in early or mid-August.