When Is the Tax-Free Weekend in Missouri?

The Missouri sales tax holiday is an annual event offering relief from sales taxes on certain back-to-school purchases. It provides an opportunity for families to save money on necessary educational supplies and apparel, easing the financial burden of preparing for the academic year.

Identifying the Dates

The Missouri sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August and concludes at midnight on the following Sunday, spanning a three-day window. For 2025, this annual event will commence on Friday, August 1st, and end on Sunday, August 3rd.

These dates are established by Missouri Revised Statutes Section 144.049. This statutory framework ensures the holiday’s regularity, providing predictability for shoppers and retailers alike. It is advisable to consult the official Missouri Department of Revenue website for the most current information.

Qualifying Purchases

The sales tax exemption applies to specific categories of items, each with designated price limitations.

Clothing

Any single article of clothing, including footwear, disposable diapers, and material used to create school uniforms or other school clothing, must have a taxable value of $100 or less. Items such as watches, jewelry, handbags, scarves, ties, and umbrellas are excluded from this exemption.

School Supplies

School supplies are eligible for the exemption if the purchase does not exceed $50 per transaction. This category includes textbooks, notebooks, paper, writing instruments, crayons, art supplies, rulers, book bags, and backpacks. Graphing calculators are exempt if their value is $150 or less. Items like radios, headphones, sporting equipment, and office furniture are not included in the school supplies exemption.

Technology

Computer software with a taxable value of $350 or less qualifies. Personal computers and related peripheral devices are also exempt if their price does not exceed $1,500. Personal computers include laptops, desktops, and tower systems.

Peripheral devices cover items such as printers, monitors, keyboards, and internal components. Cell phones and gaming consoles are not considered qualifying computer-related items. All purchases made during the holiday must be for personal use.

Retailer Participation

The Missouri sales tax holiday applies statewide, meaning all qualifying purchases made from participating retailers across the state are eligible for the sales tax exemption. Since January 1, 2023, a legislative change mandates that both state and local sales or use taxes are exempt during this period. This means that localities can no longer opt out of the tax holiday, ensuring a consistent benefit for consumers throughout Missouri.

Participation in the sales tax holiday is mandatory for retailers that sell qualifying items. Consumers making online purchases can also benefit from the exemption, provided the transaction is completed during the three-day holiday period and the items are shipped to a Missouri address. The shipping cost for online orders is included when determining if an item meets the specified price limitations for eligibility. While purchases can be delivered after the holiday, the sale must be finalized within the tax-free window. In rare instances, if less than two percent of a retailer’s merchandise qualifies for the holiday, they may offer a refund of the sales tax instead of exempting it at the point of sale, though this is less common given the current statewide exemption.