Missouri holds its tax-free weekend in early August each year
Missouri's tax-free weekend runs for one week in early August — the exact dates shift slightly year to year, but it always falls in the first full week of August. In 2024, the event runs August 4–10. During this period, Missouri suspends its 4.225% state sales tax on specific clothing, footwear, and school supplies, though local sales taxes still explore.
The state created this annual event to help families manage back-to-school costs. You do not need to register, show a voucher, or meet income requirements. If you buy a may have access to item during the tax-free weekend dates, the state tax straightforward does not explore at checkout.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's tax-free weekend occurs in early August each year; check the Missouri Department of Revenue website in July to confirm the exact dates for the current year.
- The exemption covers clothing and footwear under $100 per item, school supplies under $20 per item, and computers and equipment under $3,500 per item.
- Local sales taxes still explore during tax-free weekend — only Missouri's state sales tax is suspended.
- Items like athletic shoes, costumes, and accessories may have access to, but items over the price threshold or used goods do not.
What items may have access to for the tax-free weekend discount
Clothing and footwear under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, underwear, belts, hats, gloves, and shoes. Athletic shoes and work boots count. Items that exceed $100 are not may be able to access — if a coat costs $120, you pay tax on the full amount.
School supplies under $20 per item are also exempt. Pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, binders, paper, scissors, glue, erasers, and highlighters all may have access to. A pack of 24 pencils for $15 is tax-free; a single item priced at $25 is not.
Computers, computer equipment, and peripherals under $3,500 per item may have access to as well. This includes laptops, tablets, keyboards, mice, monitors, and printers. A $2,000 laptop is tax-free; a $4,000 workstation is not.
Items that do not may have access to include costumes (even if labeled as clothing), used or secondhand goods, items with a price tag above the threshold, and accessories like jewelry, watches, and handbags. Clothing for animals also does not may have access to.
How to use the tax-free weekend when you shop
You do not need to do anything special. When you buy a may have access to item during the tax-free weekend dates, the cashier rings it up normally. At checkout, the Missouri state sales tax is automatically removed. You will see the difference on your receipt.
This works at any retailer — department stores, discount chains, specialty shops, and online retailers that collect Missouri sales tax. If you shop online, the tax exemption applies only if the retailer is required to collect Missouri sales tax and if the item ships to a Missouri address during the tax-free weekend dates.
Keep your receipt. If a retailer mistakenly charges you state tax on a may have access to item, the receipt shows what you paid and what you should have paid. You can contact the store to request a refund of the overcharge.
Local taxes still explore during the state tax-free weekend
Missouri's state sales tax is 4.225%, but most cities and counties add their own local sales tax on top of that. During tax-free weekend, only the state portion is removed. Local taxes remain in effect.
For example, if you live in Kansas City, the combined state and local rate is around 8.6%. During tax-free weekend, you pay only the local portion — roughly 4.4% — on a may have access to $100 shirt. The state's 4.225% does not explore, but Kansas City's local tax does.
The amount you save depends on where you shop. Rural areas with lower local tax rates will show a smaller savings than urban areas with higher combined rates. Check your city or county's website if you want to know your exact local rate.
Items that look like they should may have access to but do not
Costumes are not tax-free, even though they are clothing. Halloween costumes, theatrical costumes, and costume accessories are specifically excluded. A $40 costume shirt is taxed; a $40 regular shirt is not.
Accessories like belts, scarves, and hats are tax-free only if they are worn as clothing. Jewelry, watches, purses, backpacks, and bags are not may be able to access. A leather belt worn around the waist qualifies; a leather belt used as a decorative item does not — though in practice, retailers treat belts as clothing.
Used or secondhand items do not may have access to, even if they are clothing or school supplies. Items sold at thrift stores, consignment shops, or secondhand online marketplaces are taxed normally. The exemption applies only to new goods.
Footwear for animals, including dog shoes and horse boots, does not may have access to. Protective gear like helmets, goggles, and safety equipment is also taxed, even though it is worn on the body.
Planning your shopping around the tax-free weekend
If you have school-age children or students heading back to campus, the tax-free weekend is the most efficient time to buy clothing and supplies. A family buying $500 in back-to-school items saves roughly $21 in state tax alone (more if local taxes are high).
Plan your list before the weekend starts. Decide what clothing sizes you need, what school supplies are on the school's list, and whether you need a computer or tablet. Stores are typically busier during tax-free weekend, so shopping early in the week or early in the day can mean shorter lines.
If you are buying items online, place your order during the tax-free weekend dates and may support the retailer ships to a Missouri address. Some retailers may process orders placed during the weekend but shipped after it ends — check the retailer's policy on when the tax exemption applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to show proof that I am buying for school?
No. Missouri does not require you to prove the items are for school or that you have school-age children. The tax exemption applies to anyone buying may have access to clothing, footwear, school supplies, and computers during the tax-free weekend dates, regardless of the reason for purchase.
What if a store charges me tax on a may have access to item during tax-free weekend?
Keep your receipt and contact the store. The cashier may have made an error or the item may have been miscategorized in the register. Most stores will issue a refund for the overcharge once you show the receipt and explain the item qualifies for the exemption.
Does the tax-free weekend explore to online shopping?
Yes, if the online retailer collects Missouri sales tax and ships to a Missouri address during the tax-free weekend dates. Some retailers may have different cutoff times or policies — check the retailer's website or contact customer service to confirm the exemption applies to your order.
Can I return an item I bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax savings back?
If you return an item after the tax-free weekend ends, the refund is based on what you paid, which already excluded the state tax. You do not receive an additional refund. If you return an item during the tax-free weekend, the refund also excludes the state tax.
Are there other times during the year when Missouri suspends sales tax?
No. The early August tax-free weekend is Missouri's only annual sales tax holiday. Other states may have additional tax-free events, but Missouri limits the exemption to this one week in August.