July is almost over. The first day of school is just around the corner.
And on this final July weekend (or at least part of it), some southern shoppers will be out in force as Mississippi and Tennessee hold their annual sales tax holidays.
Regular readers know that these two states' events are included in my earlier overall look at this summer's back-to-school tax holidays.
But since these are the final no-tax shopping appetizers before a buffet of a dozen other such events in August, they get a bit of a spotlight.
Same start, different endings: Both start at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 27.
Check your local retailers to see who's holding a Black Friday style early morning opening. Personally, I hope no stores do. I think those early openings are ridiculous. But I suspect at least a few will try to lure some night-owl shoppers.
Mississippi's tax holiday, however, ends sooner than Tennessee's event.
The Magnolia State's tax holiday wraps at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, July 28. I'm presuming Blue Laws still prevail in Mississippi (like here in much of Texas, at least for some items) so that folks won't be tempted to choose between shopping and church services.
Tennessee, however, has no such commerce qualms, at least as far as its annual sales tax holiday. The Volunteer State's no-tax event runs through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 29.
For tax-free sale: Shoppers in both states also will see tax savings on clothing that sells for $100 or less.
But just as it offers more time for shopping, Tennessee also waives sales tax on more items. Also making the tax holiday shopping lists in that state are select school supplies and even computers.
Mississippi's Department of Revenue has details on its event and tax-exempt items in a special online information page.
Tennessee shoppers can peruse their state's special tax holiday Web page, which has a link to lists of both tax-exempt and taxable items.
Finally, check out these sales-tax holiday shopping tips. They can help you make the most of your no-tax shopping.
UPDATE (and shameless plug), July 27, 2018: Check out Tumbling Taxes, my tumblr blog, for a look at the types of back-to-school shoppers you might see … or be!
You also might find these items of interest:
- Tax holidays: bonanzas or bogus?
- City and other local taxes add to overall sales tax takes
- Supreme Court ruling opens door for more interstate sales tax collection
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