MONTGOMERY– Governor Kay Ivey is encouraging Alabama families to prepare for the upcoming school year during the state’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday.
The 2026 tax-free weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 17. It continues through midnight Sunday, July 19.
During that period, shoppers can purchase eligible clothing, computers, books and school supplies without paying state sales tax. However, local sales taxes may still apply in cities and counties that do not participate.
“Quality education is essential to continuing the historic momentum that Alabama is experiencing,” Ivey said. “Successful students need to be properly equipped for the classroom, and this tax-free weekend makes school supplies more accessible to families across our state.”
Ivey added that an investment in Alabama students represents an investment in the state’s future.
Exemption Limits Increased for 2026
This year’s sales tax holiday includes higher exemption limits. As a result, Alabama families can save on a wider range of back-to-school purchases.
During the 2025 legislative session, Alabama lawmakers approved legislation to modernize the state’s sales tax holidays. Ivey then signed the measure into law.
The legislation increased the maximum prices for eligible items. It also tied future exemption limits to changes in the Consumer Price Index.
For 2026, eligible clothing must cost $156 or less per article. Clothing purchases can include school uniforms, shirts, pants, jeans, dresses, jackets, shoes, socks and other general apparel.
The exemption does not cover clothing accessories, protective equipment or sports and recreational equipment.
Qualifying computers, computer software and school computer supplies must cost $1,173 or less in a single purchase.
Eligible computer purchases may include laptops, desktops or tower computer systems. A computer package may include a central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers when sold together.
In addition, qualifying school supplies, art supplies and instructional materials must cost $78 or less per item.
Eligible supplies include binders, book bags, calculators, crayons, folders, glue, highlighters and lunch boxes. The list also includes notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, rulers and scissors.
Qualifying art supplies include clay, glazes, paint, paintbrushes, drawing pads and watercolors.
Books with a sales price of $47 or less per book also qualify. The book must have an International Standard Book Number, commonly known as an ISBN.
However, magazines, newspapers and periodicals do not qualify for the exemption.
State Officials Encourage Families to Participate
Alabama Department of Revenue Commissioner Mary Martin Mitchell encouraged families to take advantage of the savings.
“We’re excited for this tax-free opportunity allowing Alabama families to save their hard-earned money while helping students get what they need for school,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said the department wants Alabama residents to make the most of the holiday. She also expressed support for students preparing for the new school year.
Local Sales Taxes May Still Apply
Alabama removes the state sales tax from covered items during the holiday. However, counties and municipalities must choose whether to remove their local sales and use taxes.
Participating cities and counties apply their exemption during the same three-day period. They also follow the state’s eligibility requirements and price limits.
Therefore, shoppers should check whether their city and county will participate before making purchases. The Alabama Department of Revenue updates its participation list as it receives information from local governments.
Retailers must participate in the state sales tax holiday. They cannot charge state sales tax on purchases that legally qualify for the exemption.
More Information
The Alabama Department of Revenue provides a complete list of eligible and excluded items in its 2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Fact Sheet.
Shoppers can see whether their city, town or county is participating on the Alabama Department of Revenue’s 2026 participating localities page.
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