Tax-free weekend in Alabama: Here’s what to know

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Shopping at Bridge Street—one of the indoor dog spots in Huntsville
Get all your shopping done in one place at Bridge Street—all while having your furry friend by your side. (Village Fox Media)

Alabamians should brace themselves for the ultimate shopping weekend (no, I’m not talking about Black Friday) when the state has its “tax-free weekend” July 18-20.

This weekend coincides with back-to-school shopping, so why not get out and take advantage of it?

Here’s more:

Alabama’s tax-free weekend is July 18-20

bridge street holiday shopping
Shoppers in Alabama can grab school supplies, clothes and other select items without paying sales tax. (Jacob Blankenship / Hville Blast)

So, what exactly does a “tax-free weekend” mean? Well, in participating cities (more on that below), shoppers in Alabama can grab school supplies, clothes and other select items without paying sales tax.

Participating cities in the Huntsville area include:

  • Albertville
  • Arab
  • Athens
  • Decatur
  • Elkmont
  • Guntersville
  • Huntsville
  • Madison
  • Mooresville
  • New Hope
  • Owens Cross Roads
  • Scottsboro
  • Somerville

See the full list here.

Items that are tax-free

tax-free weekend
Items like art supplies and books are exempt from sales tax July 18-20. (Michael Seale / Hville Blast)

Not all retail items are exempt from sales tax during the weekend. In essence, you can’t stock up on video games or buy yourself a new cell phone. However, you can buy items like these:

  • Clothing items less than $100 each
  • Single purchases of computers, computer supplies or computer software $750 or less
  • School supplies, school art supplies or school instructional material $50 or less per item
  • Books at $30 or less each
  • Art supplies (paintbrushes, canvases, sketchpads)
  • Computer storage devices
  • Computer printers
  • Printer ink

For a complete list of what’s included and what’s not included, take a look at the Alabama Department of Revenue website.

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Michael Seale
Michael Seale
Articles: 1898