BY OBSERVER STAFF
EAST ALABAMA — Alabama families can save on school-related purchases during the state’s 21st annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, set for Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19.
The tax-free weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. July 17 and continues through midnight July 19. During that time, shoppers may purchase certain clothing, school supplies, computers, computer equipment and books free of Alabama’s 4% state sales or use tax. More than 300 cities and counties across Alabama are also waiving local sales taxes during the holiday.
This year’s sales tax holiday includes higher exemption limits after legislation approved during the 2025 legislative session increased the dollar thresholds and tied them to the Consumer Price Index.
“The expanded exemption limits make this year’s tax holiday even more valuable for Alabama families,” said Rick Brown, president of the Alabama Retail Association. “These changes help consumers purchase the items they need for the new school year while also supporting Alabama retailers in their local communities.”
Items exempt during the holiday include clothing and footwear priced at $156 or less per item, up from the previous $100 limit. Certain school supplies priced at $78 or less per item are also exempt, along with a single purchase of computers, computer software and school computer supplies priced at $1,173 or less.
Books priced at $47 or less are exempt, while textbooks on an official schoolbook list are exempt if they cost more than $47 but less than $78.
Local retailers in Auburn said the tax-free weekend has become an important shopping period for families and businesses.
“The sales tax holiday has become very important to us over the years,” said Mark Anderson, owner of Eagle Eye Outfitters. “Families plan for it, and with the increased exemption limits, they’ll have even more opportunities to save on the clothing, shoes and school supplies they need. It’s a win for shoppers and for retailers across Alabama.”
Although the holiday is designed to help families prepare for the new school year, any shopper may take advantage of the savings. Qualifying items can include diapers, printer ink, flash drives, art supplies, reference maps, globes, instructional materials and other school-related products.
Some items are not exempt, including clothing accessories such as handbags, jewelry, sunglasses and umbrellas. Protective equipment, sports and recreational equipment, furniture, recreational computer systems or devices, noneducational video games, magazines, newspapers and other nonbound publications are also not included.
In Auburn, parking downtown will be free Friday, July 17, with the exception of the Wright Street Parking Deck.
For more information, including a full list of qualifying items and participating cities and counties, visit the Alabama Department of Revenue website or contact the city of Auburn Revenue Office.
