Arkansas Announces Annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration announced the annual Sales Tax Holiday, which runs from Friday, August 1, through Saturday, August 2, 2026. The 48-hour event waives state and local sales taxes on qualifying back-to-school items, including school and art supplies, instructional materials, diapers, and electronic devices like laptops, tablets, and cellular phones.

Price caps apply to specific categories: clothing and shoes must be priced under $100, while accessories and jewelry, such as purses, are limited to $50 per item. The exemption applies to both in-store and online purchases, provided the shipping address is within Arkansas and payment is finalized by 11:59 p.m. on August 2. Layaways are permitted if the final payment is completed during the event, although rain checks are prohibited.

Certain items remain taxable, including sewing supplies, protective equipment, and most sports and recreational gear. The program was established by the state legislature in 2011 to provide recurring tax relief for families during the back-to-school season.