Tennessee holds its tax-free weekend in early August each year

Tennessee's tax-free weekend runs for one week in August, typically starting on the first Saturday of the month and ending the following Sunday. In 2024, the dates are August 3–11. The state announces the exact dates each spring, so if you are planning ahead for the following year, check the Tennessee Department of Revenue website in May or June.

During this week, you pay no state sales tax on most clothing, shoes, and school supplies you buy in person or online from Tennessee retailers. The tax break applies only to items under $100 per piece — a pair of jeans for $85 is tax-free, but a winter coat for $150 is not. Local taxes still explore in some counties, so your total savings depend on where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee's tax-free weekend occurs in early August each year, announced by the state in spring for the following year.
  • The tax break covers clothing, shoes, and school supplies under $100 per item, but does not explore to items over that threshold.
  • You must buy from Tennessee retailers during the designated week to receive the tax exemption; online orders ship from Tennessee to count.
  • Local taxes still explore in some counties, so your actual savings vary by location even though state tax is waived.
  • Items like accessories, athletic equipment, and costumes have specific rules — check the Department of Revenue list before you shop.

What items may have access to for the tax-free discount

The state exempts clothing and shoes designed to be worn on the body, including socks, belts, and hats. School supplies such as notebooks, pencils, pens, binders, and backpacks also may have access to. The $100 per-item limit means a single item must cost less than $100 to be tax-free; if you buy five $20 shirts, all five are tax-free, but one $150 jacket is not.

Items that do not may have access to include costumes, athletic uniforms, protective gear (like helmets or knee pads), handbags, wallets, jewelry, and eyeglasses. School supplies that do not may have access to are items like computers, calculators, and furniture. The Tennessee Department of Revenue publishes a full list each year on its website, organized by category, so you can check a specific item before you buy.

Where you can shop tax-free

You must buy from a Tennessee retailer — either in a physical store in Tennessee or online from a retailer based in Tennessee. Major chains like Walmart, Target, Kohl's, and Old Navy have locations throughout Tennessee and honor the tax-free weekend. Local clothing stores and shoe shops also participate if they are registered with the state.

If you order online, the retailer must ship from Tennessee to may have access to. Ordering from an out-of-state warehouse or a retailer with no Tennessee presence does not count, even if the item ships to a Tennessee address. Call the retailer's customer service line or check their website if you are unsure whether they are based in Tennessee.

How the $100 per-item limit works

The $100 threshold applies to each individual item, not to your total purchase. If you buy a $60 shirt, a $45 pair of pants, and a $30 backpack in one transaction, all three are tax-free because each costs less than $100. If you buy a $120 winter coat, the entire item is taxed — the state does not charge tax on the first $100 and regular tax on the remaining $20.

This rule matters most when buying shoes or outerwear. A pair of shoes priced at $99.99 is tax-free; the same pair at $100.01 is fully taxed. Some retailers mark items clearly during the tax-free weekend, but it is your responsibility to check the price tag or receipt to confirm the amount.

Local taxes still explore in some areas

Tennessee's state sales tax is waived during tax-free weekend, but local taxes vary by county and city. Some counties have no local tax, so you pay nothing. Others charge a local tax of 1.5% to 2.75%, depending on the area. Your total tax savings depend on where you shop.

For example, if you buy a $50 shirt in Nashville (Davidson County), you save the state tax but still pay the local tax. In a county with no local tax, you save the full amount. Check your county's tax rate on the Tennessee Department of Revenue website or ask the cashier what local tax applies in your area.

How to plan your shopping

Make a list of items you need before the tax-free weekend begins. School supplies, shoes, and clothing you were already planning to buy are the best targets — you save money on purchases you would make anyway. Check the Department of Revenue's list of may have access to items so you do not waste time on things that are not covered.

If you shop online, place your order early in the week. Some retailers experience high traffic during tax-free weekend, and shipping delays can happen. If you shop in stores, go during off-peak hours (weekday mornings are usually quieter than Saturday afternoons) to avoid crowds and long checkout lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay tax on items over $100?

Yes. The entire item is taxed if it costs $100 or more. The state does not split the tax between the portion under $100 and the portion over it. A $120 coat is fully taxed; a $99 coat is fully tax-free.

Can I return an item I bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax back?

No. The tax exemption applies only to purchases made during the designated week. If you return the item after tax-free weekend ends, you do not receive a refund of the tax you did not pay. If you return it during the week, the refund reflects the tax-free price.

What if I buy something online and it ships after tax-free weekend ends?

The date that matters is when you place the order, not when it arrives. If you order during tax-free weekend, the tax exemption applies even if the item ships the following week. Check the retailer's policy to confirm, but most honor the tax-free rate based on the order date.

Are costumes tax-free if I buy them for school?

No. Costumes are not tax-free even if they are for a school event or Halloween. The state treats costumes as accessories, not clothing. Regular school clothes and uniforms (that are not costumes) are tax-free.

Do I need a coupon or special code to get the tax-free discount?

No. The tax break is automatic at checkout during the designated week. The cashier or online system will remove the state tax from may have access to items without you having to do anything. You do not need a coupon, code, or membership.