By Rebekah Hall
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Arkansas families planning for back-to-school shopping can take advantage of the 2026 Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday, which runs Aug. 1-2.
This year’s sales tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2. All retailers are required to participate and may not charge tax on items that are legally tax-exempt during the holiday. The current state sales and use tax is 6.5 percent.
“Arkansans benefit because they can save both state and local sales taxes,” said Laura Hendrix, extension associate professor of personal finance and consumer economics for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “Planning ahead for the sales tax holiday avoids overspending and impulse purchases. It is important to limit the use of credit to amounts that you can easily pay off, as credit card fees and interest can offset the amounts saved on taxes.”
Arkansas shoppers can purchase clothing, electronic devices, school and art supplies, and even diapers, free of tax, during the two-day event. For a list of items and restrictions, visit the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s 2026 Sales Tax Holiday website.
For clothing, the sales tax holiday exemption applies to single articles costing less than $100, but there is no limit on the number of items that can be purchased. Items priced at $100 or more are subject to the full state and local sales tax.
For electronics, including calculators, cell phones, computer monitors, mice and keyboards, e-readers and more, there is no cost limit.
Smart shopping tips
Start by making a list of everything you’ll need, Hendrix said, and set a spending limit.
“School supply lists are often available at discount department or office supply stores, or on school websites,” Hendrix said. “In addition to regular school supplies, you may also need items such as lunch boxes, art supplies, sports equipment or clothing.”
Compare different stores and brands and watch for sales to ensure you are getting the best deal for your dollar.
“Many stores promote back-to-school sales,” Hendrix said. “Keep in mind that store brands and generic items are often less expensive than name-brand products.”
Take advantage of coupons by checking store flyers, newspapers and free online coupon sites, Hendrix said.
“Combine coupons with other sales and discounts when possible,” Hendrix said. “Retailers may offer store discounts and store coupons to reduce the selling price of an eligible item in order to qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption.”
However, according to the Department of Finance and Administration, manufacturers’ discount coupons do not reduce an item’s selling price and cannot be used to determine the selling price of an item to qualify for the exemption. A manufacturer’s rebate also does not reduce the selling price of an item and may not be used to qualify an item.
Hendrix said families should anticipate long lines and research where to shop for specific items on their lists.
“Shop early in the day for priority items on your list,” Hendrix said. “If you plan to spend the day shopping, consider taking healthy snacks and drinks in the car to avoid becoming dehydrated or hungry. Money spent on eating out for lunch or dinner can offset the savings on sales tax.”
For more information on budgeting and financial planning, visit the Personal Finance page on the Cooperative Extension Service website.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
