July 22, 2025

Tennessee School Tax-Free Weekend Eases Shopping Burden

News Summary

Tennessee offers a tax-free weekend for school supplies from July 25-27, allowing families to save on essential back-to-school items.

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – As families in East Tennessee gear up for the upcoming school year, the state is offering a sales tax-free weekend designed to ease the financial burden of back-to-school shopping. This annual initiative will take place from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 25 until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, providing an opportunity for parents and students to purchase essential supplies without incurring sales tax.

During the sales tax holiday, several categories of items will be eligible for tax exemption. Clothing items priced at $100 or less per piece will be tax-free, including essential wardrobe items like shirts, pants, jackets, shoes, and dresses. However, it is important to note that accessories, jewelry, handbags, and sports equipment are exempt from this tax break.

In addition to clothing, eligible school and art supplies costing $100 or less will also be tax-exempt. This includes a wide range of necessary items like binders, backpacks, crayons, pens, pencils, rulers, and various art supplies. Buyers should be aware that if school and art supplies exceed the $100 threshold, they will not benefit from the tax exemption. Moreover, items typically sold as a set cannot be broken apart to qualify for the tax-free outcome.

For those looking to purchase technology for personal use, computers, laptops, and tablets priced at $1,500 or less will be tax-exempt during the designated weekend. This is part of the state’s effort to support students in maximizing their learning potential with technology.

Additionally, online purchases of qualifying tax-exempt items are allowed, provided that the shipping address is within Tennessee. This flexibility supports families who prefer the convenience of shopping from home.

Understanding Tennessee Taxes

Tennessee has a state sales tax rate of 9.25%, with 7% allocated to the state and 2.25% directed to local jurisdictions. In Knox County, a portion of the local sales tax is dedicated to funding Knox County Schools, demonstrating how local tax revenues can directly impact educational resources.

Exempt Items Year-Round

The state of Tennessee already exempts certain items from sales tax year-round, such as gasoline and medical devices. These items will continue to be exempt during the upcoming tax-free weekend, allowing families to shop for essential goods with less financial strain.

A Long-standing Initiative

This sales tax holiday has been implemented since 2006, specifically aimed at facilitating back-to-school shopping while providing fiscal relief for families. As the state prepares for the new school year, the holiday remains a tradition that many families rely on to prepare their children for academic success.

For those in Knox County, the first day of school is set for August 7, 2025, marking the official start of the new academic year. With the sales tax-free weekend just prior, parents have the opportunity to stock up on new clothing and supplies without the added expense of sales tax.

Families are encouraged to take advantage of this initiative to provide their children with the tools and resources necessary for a successful school year ahead. Proper planning and shopping during the tax-free weekend could lead to significant savings for families across East Tennessee.