Words like inflation and tariffs have made us all buckle down as consumers lately, but the annual trip to purchase school supplies and necessities is unavoidable. Every dollar counts, and Missouri’s annual tax free weekend helps parents stretch their budget despite the rising costs.
Here’s all you need to know about the tax reprieve, and how you can spend money wisely while gathering all your students need to thrive.
Take Advantage of Missouri’s Tax Free Weekend
When It Happens
The 2025 Missouri Back‑to‑School Sales Tax Holiday runs from 12:01 am on Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3 at midnight. The date changes every year, but always falls on the first weekend of August.
What is Tax Free?
During these three days, all state and local sales tax is waived on qualifying back to school items, including:
- Clothing (each article priced at $100 or less).
- School supplies (each item $50 or less).
- Personal computers and computer peripherals ($1,500 or less).
- Computer software ($350 or less).
- Graphing calculators ($150 or less).
You can purchase unlimited quantities of qualifying items, as long as each individual item meets its price limitation.
What is Not Included
Some commonly needed items do not qualify:
- Clothing or supplies over the respective price thresholds. In addition, watches, watchbands, jewelry, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands and belt buckles are not included.
- Items for business or resale use.
- Non‑school related apparel and accessories.
- Other household goods (e.g. furniture, batteries, non‑qualified electronics).
For a complete list of included items and exclusions, go to the Missouri Department of Revenue site.
Where to Shop
You do not have to be a Missouri resident to take part in the tax free holiday. Simply shop at any participating store! It applies across any Missouri retailer, in‑store or online, as long as the final sale and delivery or pickup occurs on the first weekend.
Most big box stores like Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, Best Buy participate. And if you love to shop local, many independent shops gladly participate as a way to drive additional traffic to their store.
Online purchases are included as long as the seller’s location or delivery receipt is within Missouri during the holiday.
Pro tip: before shopping, ask a cashier to ensure they will honor the no tax purchase.
How It Helps Families
Big savings on basics. Families can stock up on clothes, shoes, school supplies and tech essentials. Please note: diapers are also included as tax free items!
Stretching tight budgets. With tax savings capped per item, it’s ideal for families keeping costs in check.
Encouraging early shopping. With predictable savings, parents avoid a possible last minute rush and inflated prices. Local stores benefit from the shopping boom heading in to their busy fourth quarter.
Technology access. Tax free computers and peripherals (up to $1,500) means kids can get laptops, printers or software without added tax. Perfect for those heading to college or needing an upgrade to a home computer.
Missouri’s Tax Free Weekend is the official back to school kickoff. For families balancing tricky expenses, it removes the extra 4 to 8% tax bite, helping to put those dollars to better use. So clear your calendar for the first weekend in August and shop smart!
