Back-to-school shopping is expected to reach record levels this year, with families of students in elementary through high school planning to spend an average of $864. Nationwide, total back-to-school spending is projected to reach $43.3 billion, making it one of the largest annual shopping seasons for American families.
Fortunately, Arkansas families have an opportunity to keep more of that money in their pockets during the state’s annual Sales Tax Holiday, which takes place Saturday, August 1, through Sunday, August 2, 2026. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and ending at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, shoppers can purchase many back-to-school essentials free of state and local sales tax.
Established by Act 757 of 2011, the Sales Tax Holiday is held each year on the first weekend of August. Arkansas is one of 19 states that provide a sales tax holiday, giving families a break as they prepare students for the new school year.
Eligible tax-free purchases include clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item, clothing accessories priced under $50 per item, school supplies, school art supplies, school instructional materials, and electronic devices commonly used by students for academic purposes.
The exemption applies to purchases made both in stores and online, as long as the order is placed during the tax-free weekend. All retailers are required to participate by exempting qualifying items from both state and local sales tax. It’s important to remember that the price limits apply to each individual item—not the total purchase. If a single item exceeds the price threshold, the entire purchase price of that item is taxable.
As families check items off their back-to-school shopping lists, this weekend provides a simple way to save on the supplies students need for a successful school year. For a complete list of eligible items and additional information, visit arkansashouse.org or the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
