Alabama and Georgia Will Hold Tax Free Holidays This Month

Alabamians are encouraged to begin preparing for the upcoming academic year by participating in Alabama’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. The tax-free period will run from Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20.

In Georgia the annual Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday will take place later, starting Thursday, July 31 through Friday, August 1.

The tax holiday is meant to help parents save money when purchasing common back-to-school supplies for their children.

“A new school year brings new opportunities, and we want every Alabama student to step into the classroom ready to learn and succeed,” said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. “This tax holiday is one more way we’re supporting our Alabama families and reinforcing the importance of education across our state. When we invest in our students and equip them for success, we’re building a stronger future for all of Alabama.”

Brook Brown, who lives in Phenix City, said she looks forward to the annual holiday.

“It'll save me on their clothes,” said Brown, the mother of two boys, ages 3 and 5. “They grow so fast. My mother-in-law will buy their school supplies and because sheets are on sale for the college kids, I will buy them new sheets.”

She said this year’s tax holiday is especially nice with the rising costs of everything.

In Alabama clothing cannot cost more than $100 per item, and computers and software cannot cost more than $750. Books can cost no more than $30 and school supplies can cost no more than $50 each.

Georgia allows you to purchase the following items tax-free for the holidays: school supplies that cost $20 or less, clothing that costs no more than $100 per item, and up to $1,000 for a computer.

During the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, items like pencils, paper, binders, calculators and rulers are free from state sales tax. The holiday also covers school uniforms, books and computers. For the full list of back-to-school items that qualify for the Alabama sales tax holiday, please visit this link.

This is the 20^th year that Alabama has participated in the program. For more information, contact the Sales and Use Tax Division at 334-242- 1490 or 866-576-6531.

“ALDOR is pleased we can offer this tax-free opportunity to parents and caregivers across Alabama who are getting their children ready for the upcoming school year,” said Alabama Department of Revenue Commissioner Vernon Barnett.

Georgia has had an annual Back-To-School sales tax holiday since 2012.

You can learn more about Georgia's sales tax holiday program by visiting the Georgia Department of Revenue  website, or calling the Georgia Department of Revenue's informational hotline at (404) 417-2106 .