Tax-free shopping returns

State's three-day sales tax holiday comes just before Moore County Schools’ Aug. 5 registration day

9:40 a.m. July 22, 2026

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday will give Moore County families a chance to save on school clothes, supplies, and computers just days before students return to class.

The tax-free weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 31, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2.

Moore County Schools will hold registration and an abbreviated school day from 8-10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5. The first full day of school is Friday, Aug. 7.

During the three-day holiday, qualifying purchases are exempt from both state and local sales taxes. The exemption applies to eligible items purchased in stores or online for personal use.

The holiday covers qualifying clothing, school supplies, personal computers, and tablets. Price limits apply to each item, not the shopper’s total bill.

What qualifies

Eligible clothing includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, and shoes priced at $100 or less each.

Qualifying school and art supplies include backpacks, binders, crayons, paper, pens, pencils, and other classroom essentials priced at $100 or less per item.

Personal computers and tablets priced at $1,500 or less also qualify.

What remains taxable

Some common back-to-school purchases are not covered by the holiday.

Jewelry, handbags, and sports or recreational equipment remain taxable. Separately purchased computer software, printer supplies, and household appliances also do not qualify.

Tennessee held its first sales tax holiday in 2006.

The holiday gives Moore County families a chance to finish their back-to-school shopping before registration begins Wednesday, Aug. 5.