TENNESSEE — The annual Tennessee sales tax holiday will take place from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026. During this period, qualifying purchases of clothing, school supplies, and computers will be exempt from both state and local sales taxes across the state.

Clothing and school supplies priced at $100 or less per item qualify for the exemption, as do computers priced at $1,500 or less. Eligible items include shirts, pants, shoes, dresses, binders, backpacks, crayons, paper, pens, pencils, computers, and tablets. Items sold online also qualify for the sales tax exemption, provided they meet the price and category requirements.

However, not all back-to-school purchases are covered. The exemption does not apply to jewelry, handbags, sports and recreational equipment, computer software sold separately, printer supplies, or household appliances. Additionally, all qualifying items must be purchased for personal use and cannot be intended for business or trade purposes.

Governor Bill Lee encouraged residents to take part in the event, saying, "I encourage every family to take advantage of back-to-school savings, and thank the General Assembly for their partnership to provide direct financial relief for taxpayers." He added, "Tennessee's strong track record of fiscal stewardship has allowed our state to cut taxes and put dollars back in the pocket of hardworking Tennesseans."

David Gerregano, Revenue Commissioner, described the tax holiday as an established tradition. "Tennessee’s sales tax holiday has become a back-to-school tradition for families," he said. He also noted, "This weekend gives Tennesseans an easy way to save on many back-to-school essentials."

The Tennessee sales tax holiday, which began in 2006, offers families predictable annual savings during a period of high educational expenses. By temporarily lifting state and local sales taxes on essential school items, the policy aims to reduce the financial burden of back-to-school shopping for households across the state.