Multiple US States Launch August Sales Tax Holidays

Several U.S. states launched annual sales tax holidays on August 7, 2026, to assist families with back-to-school shopping and emergency preparations. The Government of Virginia implemented a holiday running through August 9, exempting school supplies under $20 and clothing or footwear under $100. Virginia also included emergency preparedness items, such as portable generators up to $1,000 and gas-powered chainsaws up to $350, along with Energy Star and WaterSense products up to $2,500.

In the Midwest, the Government of Missouri and the Government of Iowa began their exemptions on August 7. Missouri's holiday lasts until August 9, waiving the 4.225% state tax on clothing under $100, school supplies under $50, and computers or accessories up to $1,500. Iowa's holiday is shorter, ending at midnight Saturday, and applies specifically to clothing and footwear under $100.

Texas and Oklahoma also implemented tax holidays from August 7 through August 9. In both states, the exemption covers most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced under $100. The Texas State Comptroller's Office noted that textbooks, computers, software, jewelry, and luggage remain taxable. Similarly, Iowa and Missouri exclude items such as jewelry, watches, and handbags from their respective exemptions.