Missouri holds tax-free weekend in August each year
Missouri's tax-free weekend runs for one week in August. In 2024, it was August 4–10. The state sets the dates each year, and they always fall in early to mid-August. During this period, you pay no state or local sales tax on certain clothing, footwear, and school supplies when you buy them in Missouri or online from Missouri retailers.
The purpose is to reduce the cost of back-to-school shopping. You do not need to register, show a card, or take any action beforehand — the tax simply does not apply at checkout during the designated week if the item qualifies.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's tax-free weekend occurs once per year in August, with exact dates announced by the state in advance.
- Only clothing, footwear, and school supplies under certain price limits are tax-free; groceries, electronics, and furniture are not covered.
- The exemption applies automatically at checkout — you do not need a coupon, card, or special registration.
- Online purchases from Missouri retailers are covered, but shipping charges and items bought from out-of-state sellers may still be taxed.
What items are tax-free during the weekend
Clothing and footwear are tax-free if each item costs less than $100. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, shoes, and belts. Items over $100 are taxed normally, so a coat priced at $120 would be taxed on the full amount.
School supplies under $20 per item are also tax-free. This covers notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, folders, binders, calculators, and similar items used for school. A pack of pens for $8 is tax-free; a backpack for $45 is not, because backpacks are not on the school supplies list even though students use them.
Items not covered include clothing accessories (hats, scarves, gloves, belts over 2 inches wide), athletic equipment, costumes, swimwear, and items with a price tag over the limit. Groceries, electronics, furniture, and tools are never included, regardless of when you buy them.
How the tax exemption works at the register
When you buy a may have access to item during tax-free weekend, the cashier or online checkout system automatically removes the sales tax. You do not enter a code, show a card, or provide proof of student status. The exemption is based on the item type and price, not on who is buying it.
If you buy a mix of taxable and tax-free items in one transaction, the register separates them. Your receipt will show which items were taxed and which were not. Online purchases work the same way — if you order from a Missouri retailer during the weekend, may have access to items ship without sales tax added.
Shipping charges are usually taxed separately and do not may have access to for the exemption, even if the item itself does. Some retailers may charge shipping tax; others may not. This varies by retailer policy.
Online shopping and out-of-state retailers
If you order from a Missouri-based online retailer during tax-free weekend, the exemption applies to may have access to items. However, if you order from a retailer located outside Missouri, that retailer may not honor Missouri's tax-free weekend rules. They follow the tax laws of their own state.
Before ordering online, check the retailer's location or their tax policy. Some national retailers apply tax-free weekend rates to all states where they operate; others apply only their home state's rules. Contacting customer service before checkout can save confusion.
Finding the exact dates each year
The Missouri Department of Revenue announces tax-free weekend dates in spring, usually by May. The dates are always in August and always span one full week. You can find the current year's dates on the Department of Revenue website or by calling your local tax assessor's office.
Retailers are required to post the dates in their stores and on their websites. If you are unsure whether a specific date falls during tax-free weekend, ask a cashier or check the store's website before you shop.
What happens if you are charged tax by mistake
If a cashier charges you sales tax on a may have access to item during tax-free weekend, ask them to correct it at the register. Most stores train staff on the exemption, but mistakes happen. Showing your receipt and the item can resolve it on the spot.
If you discover the error after you leave the store, contact the retailer's customer service with your receipt. Many will issue a refund for the tax charged in error. Keep your receipt for at least 30 days after the weekend ends in case you need to dispute a charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a student to get the tax-free discount?
No. The exemption applies to anyone who buys may have access to items during tax-free weekend, regardless of age or student status. Parents, teachers, and anyone else can take advantage of it.
Can I return an item I bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax refunded?
If you return an item within the store's return window, you receive a refund for the full purchase price, including any tax that was charged. The refund does not depend on when you bought it or whether it was tax-free at the time.
Are uniforms and work clothes covered by tax-free weekend?
Yes, if they meet the price limit. A school uniform shirt under $100 or work pants under $100 are tax-free. However, specialized work gear like steel-toed boots or safety vests may not may have access to depending on how they are classified by the retailer.
What if I buy something on August 3rd and return it on August 5th?
The return is processed based on the return date, not the original purchase date. If you return it during tax-free weekend, you may receive a refund without tax. If you return it after the weekend ends, tax may be deducted from your refund. Check your store's return policy for specifics.
Do I pay tax on shipping if I order online during tax-free weekend?
Shipping charges are usually taxed separately from the item itself. Even if the clothing or school supply is tax-free, the shipping cost may still have sales tax added. This depends on the retailer's policy and where they are located.