Alabama – Alabama families will have the opportunity to save on essential school-related items during the state’s 20th annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 18, and continues through midnight on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
During this three-day event, shoppers can purchase certain school supplies, computers, books, and clothing without paying the state’s 4% sales or use tax. Additionally, more than 300 cities and counties across Alabama have opted to participate by waiving their local sales taxes, further expanding the savings available to consumers.
“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.”
Retailers across the state report that the tax holiday weekend has become a significant part of their annual business cycle. Michael Gee, co-owner of the Pants Store and chairman of the Alabama Retail Association, noted, “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 tax-free weekend is not limited to families with school-aged children. The list of eligible items includes everyday necessities such as diapers, printer ink, flash drives, and art supplies, allowing a broad range of shoppers to take advantage of the savings.
Consumers are encouraged to review the full list of exempt items and check whether their local city or county is participating by consulting the 2025 Participating Cities and Counties list provided by the Alabama Department of Revenue.
