Missouri families will have a chance to save on school related purchases while also connecting with local back-to-school resources during the state’s 2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday weekend.
The holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and continues through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9. During that time, certain qualifying purchases, including clothing, school supplies, computers and other items defined by state statute, will be exempt from state and local sales or use taxes.
According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, the sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items within set price limits. Clothing must have a taxable value of $100 or less per article. School supplies must not exceed $50 per purchase. Computer software must have a taxable value of $350 or less, while personal computers and computer peripheral devices must not exceed $1,500. Graphing calculators must not exceed $150.
Qualifying clothing includes items such as coats, dresses, pants, shirts, shorts, jackets, leggings, socks, shoes, boots, hats, gloves, undergarments and diapers. Cloth and other materials used to make school uniforms or school clothing may also qualify.
Items that do not qualify as clothing include watches, watchbands, jewelry, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands and belt buckles.
Qualifying school supplies generally include items used by students in a standard classroom for educational purposes. Examples include textbooks, notebooks, paper, writing instruments, crayons, art supplies, rulers, backpacks, book bags, handheld calculators, graphing calculators, chalk, maps, globes, glue, scissors, folders, journals, note cards, writing tablets and USB flash drives.
Some commonly purchased items do not qualify for the exemption. According to the Department of Revenue, nonqualifying items include batteries, briefcases, bulletin boards, copiers, facial tissues, headphones, sporting equipment, furniture, power strips, stand alone printers, storage bags, thank you notes, umbrellas, watches and watchbands.
The price limits apply to each qualifying category. For example, a pair of jeans priced at $98 would qualify, but a sweater priced at $114 would not because it exceeds the $100 clothing limit. In another example, a $3 binder and a $120 graphing calculator would qualify, but a $65 backpack would not because it exceeds the $50 school supply limit.
The exemption is for qualifying purchases made for personal use. Teachers who buy classroom supplies with their own money may qualify if the items meet the holiday requirements.
Online purchases may also qualify if the qualifying item is purchased and the transaction is completed during the sales tax holiday. Delivery may occur after the holiday as long as the purchaser pays in full during the holiday period.
Eligible layaway items may qualify if final payment is made during the sales tax holiday. Items placed on layaway during the holiday but not fully paid for until after the holiday do not qualify.
