Tennessee holds tax-free weekend in early August each year

Tennessee's tax-free weekend runs for one week in early August — the exact dates shift slightly each year, but it consistently falls in the first full week of August. For 2024, tax-free weekend runs August 2–8. For 2025, it runs August 1–7. The state announces the dates by late spring, and you can confirm them on the Tennessee Department of Revenue website.

During this week, you pay no state or local sales tax on specific items. The state does not charge tax; local municipalities cannot add their own tax either. This applies only to the listed categories — not all back-to-school purchases may have access to.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee tax-free weekend occurs in early August each year, with dates announced by late spring on the Department of Revenue website.
  • Only specific items may have access to: clothing under $100 per item, school supplies under $100 per item, and computers and certain peripherals under $1,500.
  • The exemption covers state sales tax and local sales tax, so the savings depend on your county's combined rate.
  • Items over the price cap are taxed normally, and items outside the approved categories (shoes, backpacks, sports equipment) are taxed even during the weekend.

What items are tax-free during the weekend

Clothing and footwear under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, and shoes. A single item priced at $99.99 qualifies; an item priced at $100.01 does not. If you buy a $150 coat, you pay tax on the full $150 — the exemption does not apply to the first $100.

School supplies under $100 per item are tax-free. This covers pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, binders, paper, scissors, glue, rulers, calculators, and similar items used in school. Art supplies, sports equipment, and recreational items do not may have access to, even if a student uses them.

Computers and certain peripherals under $1,500 are tax-free. This includes desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and computer monitors. Keyboards, mice, and other input devices under $1,500 may have access to. Printers, scanners, and software do not. A laptop priced at $1,499 is tax-free; one priced at $1,500.01 is fully taxed.

Items that do not may have access to for the tax exemption

Backpacks, athletic shoes, and sports equipment are taxed normally during tax-free weekend, even though they relate to school. Clothing accessories like belts, hats, and scarves are taxed. Swimwear and costumes are taxed. Protective equipment such as helmets and goggles is taxed.

School supplies that exceed $100 per item are fully taxed — for example, a $150 scientific calculator or a $120 desk lamp. Furniture, including school desks and chairs, is taxed. Printers and other peripherals not listed above are taxed. Software, apps, and digital subscriptions are taxed.

How much you save depends on your county's tax rate

Tennessee's state sales tax is 4.55 percent, but your actual rate depends on your county. Most counties add local tax on top of the state rate, bringing the combined rate between 8.5 and 9.55 percent. A few counties run lower or higher. You can find your county's exact rate on the Department of Revenue website.

On a $50 shirt, you save between $4.25 and $4.78 depending on where you live. On a $1,000 laptop, you save between $85 and $95.50. The savings are real but modest — tax-free weekend is useful if you are already planning to buy these items, not a reason to buy things you do not need.

How to shop during tax-free weekend

You do not need a special coupon, code, or registration. Simply buy the may have access to items during the weekend dates at any retailer — online or in-store. The retailer removes the tax at checkout. You do not have to prove the items are for school or provide any documentation.

Some online retailers may not remove tax automatically if you are shipping to Tennessee. Contact the retailer before checkout to confirm they honor the exemption. Large retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon typically do, but smaller sites may not be set up for it. If the tax is charged, you cannot recover it later — the exemption only works at the point of sale.

What happens if an item is on sale during tax-free weekend

The tax exemption applies to the sale price, not the original price. If a $120 shirt is marked down to $80, you buy it for $80 with no tax. If a $120 shirt is marked down to $100.01, you pay tax on $100.01. The discount and the tax exemption are separate — you get both benefits.

Retailers cannot use tax-free weekend as an excuse to raise prices. The law does not prevent it, but most major retailers maintain regular pricing during the weekend to attract shoppers. Check prices before the weekend starts if you are concerned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax refunded?

No. The exemption applies only at the time of purchase. If you return an item after tax-free weekend ends, you cannot claim the tax back. If you return an item during tax-free weekend, the refund reflects the tax-free price you paid.

Do online purchases count if I order during tax-free weekend but receive the item after?

It depends on the retailer's policy and when they process the order. Most retailers apply tax based on the order date, not the delivery date. Confirm with the retailer before checkout if the timing matters to you.

Are used or secondhand items tax-free during the weekend?

Yes, if they meet the price and category requirements. A used $80 shirt or a used $1,200 laptop purchased during tax-free weekend is tax-free. Thrift stores and secondhand retailers must honor the exemption.

What if I buy an item that is just over the price limit?

The full item is taxed. A $100.01 shirt is taxed on the entire $100.01. There is no partial exemption. If you are close to a limit, check the exact price before buying.