Tennessee’s Tax-Free Weekend returns: Here’s what shoppers need to know

Families can save on clothing, school supplies and computers as students prepare to head back to class.

TENNESSEE — Tennessee shoppers can save money on back-to-school essentials during the state’s annual Tax-Free Weekend, giving families an opportunity to stock up on classroom necessities before the new school year begins.

The sales tax holiday applies to qualifying clothing, school supplies and computers purchased within the state’s price limits.

👕 Clothing

Tax Free:

• General clothing items costing $100 or less per item, including:
  • Shirts
  • Pants
  • Dresses
  • Socks
  • Shoes

Not Tax Free:

• Clothing priced over $100 per item
• Items sold together that exceed the price limit cannot be separated to qualify
• Jewelry
• Handbags
• Sports and recreational equipment

🎒 School Supplies

Tax Free:
School and art supplies priced at $100 or less per item, including:

• Backpacks
• Binders
• Crayons
• Paper
• Pens and pencils
• Rulers
• Clay
• Paint
• Drawing pads
• Artist paintbrushes

Not Tax Free:

• Individual school or art supplies costing more than $100
• Bundled items cannot be split into separate purchases to qualify

💻 Computers

Tax Free:

• Personal computers priced at $1,500 or less
• Laptop computers
• Tablet computers

Not Tax Free:

• Flash drives and other storage media
• Individual software purchases
• Printer ink and supplies
• Household appliances

For many East Tennessee families, Tax-Free Weekend offers a chance to stretch back-to-school budgets while saving on everyday essentials.

Smokies.LIVE NEXT GEN Center Money Saver Tip: Make a shopping list before you head out, compare prices, and remember that the price limits apply per eligible item, not to your total purchase.