Business & Tech
AL's Back-To-School Tax-Free Weekend Begins Friday: Here's What Qualifies
Alabama shoppers will have an opportunity to save money on back-to-school purchases this weekend
TUSCALOOSA, AL — Alabama shoppers will have an opportunity to save money on back-to-school purchases this weekend as the state's annual sales tax holiday returns for its 21st year.
Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.
The 2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins Friday, July 17, at 12:01 a.m. and runs through Sunday, July 19, at midnight.
Find out what's happening in Across Alabamafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
During the three-day event, eligible school supplies, clothing and computers can be purchased free of state sales tax, though shoppers should note that local sales taxes may still apply in some communities.
The annual tax holiday is designed to help families prepare for the upcoming school year by reducing the cost of essential items.
Find out what's happening in Across Alabamafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Eligible clothing
Clothing priced at $156 or less per article qualifies for the state sales tax exemption. Eligible items include:
- Belts
- Boots
- Caps and hats
- Coats and jackets
- Diapers
- Dresses
- Gloves
- Gym suits
- Hosiery
- Jeans
- Neckties
- Pajamas
- Pants
- Raincoats
- Robes
- Sandals
- Scarves
- School uniforms
- Shirts
- Shoes
- Shorts
- Socks
- Sneakers
- Underwear
Items that are not exempt
Not everything sold in the clothing department qualifies for the tax break. Items that remain taxable include:
- Jewelry
- Cosmetics
- Handbags
- Wallets
- Watches
- Sunglasses and eyeglasses
- Umbrellas
- Sewing supplies and materials
- Hair accessories sold separately
- Protective equipment such as helmets, face shields and safety goggles
- Hard hats and respirators
- Tool belts
- Sports and recreational equipment, including:
- Cleated athletic shoes
- Ballet or tap shoes
- Baseball, golf, hockey and boxing gloves
- Mouth guards
- Shin guards
- Shoulder pads
- Roller skates
- Ski boots
- Wetsuits and fins
- Band instruments
Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
