Alabama – The 20th annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is officially underway in Alabama, giving families across the state a chance to stock up on essentials without the added cost of state sales tax. The tax-free weekend kicked off at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 18, and will continue through midnight on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Shoppers can save the state’s 4% sales tax on a wide range of items including school supplies, clothing, books, and computers. More than 300 cities and counties have also opted in, waiving their local sales taxes to provide even greater savings at the checkout counter.
“This tax holiday makes a real difference for Alabama families and our retailers alike,” said Rick Brown, president of the Alabama Retail Association. “It not only lowers the cost of essential school items for parents but also drives valuable sales for local stores which strengthens our economy.”
For many retailers, the tax holiday has become one of the busiest weekends of the year. Michael Gee, co-owner of the Pants Store and chairman of the Alabama Retail Association, said, “Parents have become accustomed to the sales tax holiday, and they look forward to it every year. It’s a great way for families to save money and get what they need for back to school.”
The event isn’t just for parents and students. With tax exemptions applying to items like diapers, printer ink, flash drives, and art supplies, a wide variety of consumers are taking advantage of the savings.
Before hitting the stores, shoppers are encouraged to review the full list of tax-exempt items and verify whether their city or county is participating. That information can be found on the Alabama Department of Revenue’s 2025 Participating Cities and Counties list.
With just a few days to take part, families and bargain hunters across the state are making the most of Alabama’s 20th annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday.
