Treasurer Fitzpatrick Reminds Missourians the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Begins Tomorrow

August 06, 2020

Jefferson City, MO –Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick is reminding Missourians to take advantage of the back-to-school sales tax holiday this weekend, beginning Friday, August 7 and ending Sunday, August 9. This annual event exempts certain back to school purchases including clothing, computers, school supplies, and other items defined in state statute from state sales tax.

“The back-to-school sales tax holiday gives Missouri families a leg up in preparing for a new school year,” Treasurer Fitzpatrick said. “Families with young children can take advantage of diapers being tax-exempt during the weekend. And families facing virtual learning can also benefit—computers are tax exempt as are school supplies like pencils, crayons, and paper. For those who are in need of new clothes, the tax exemption applies to clothing, shoes and backpacks for the weekend. This school year may look different from others, but the sales tax holiday is a great way to prepare and save a little money when every little bit helps.”

Items purchased online qualify for state sales tax exemption so Missourians can shop from home and have items delivered or use curbside pickup options available at some retailers.

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday specifics:

· CLOTHING: Each article of clothing must have a taxable value of $100 or less. Accessories including watches and handbags are not included.

· COMPUTERS: Personal computers and peripheral devices cannot exceed $1,500.

· SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Items normally used by students in a classroom for educational purposes qualify. Each purchase is not to exceed $50. Graphing calculators valued at less than $150 qualify.

Treasurer Fitzpatrick is committed to helping Missourians save money and improve their financial well-being. As administrator of the MOST 529 Education Plan and MO ABLE, the Treasurer encourages Missourians to use tax-advantaged programs to save for the future. Additionally, the Financial Literacy Portal provides online learning tools for a better financial future.

More information about specific qualifying purchases during the back-to-school sales tax holiday can be found here.