The Micro Center Sales Tax Holiday Guide

If you've ever wanted to go tech shopping but skip the sales tax, then August is going to be your favorite month of the year. That's when several states offer tax holidays, where they waive sales tax on specific categories of products.

The timing is also perfect for back-to-school tech shopping, especially as computers and related accessories are specifically called out as tax-free in several of the tax holiday states. 

Read more: The Micro Center 2025 Back-to-School Guide: Essential Tech for Students

Some sales tax holidays run all month, some just for a few days. We've compiled the rules for different states and called out the fine print you need to be aware of. These state-by-state rules are subject to change and this guide is intended as a broad overview, so please check the official information at each link below. 

State-by-State Tax-Free Shopping Guide

Florida

• Dates: August 1 - August 31, 2025
• What's Covered: The back-to-school tax holiday in Florida is a month long. It covers personal computers and related accessories up to $1,500 or less.
• More Info: Florida Department of Revenue 

Maryland

• Dates: August 10 - August 16, 2025
• What's Covered: While primarily focused on clothing and footwear, the first $40 of a backpack purchase is tax-free.
• More Info: Comptroller of Maryland

Massachusetts

• Dates: August 9 - August 10, 2025
• What's Covered: This is a generous one. Most retail items priced under $2,500 are exempt from the state's 6.25% sales tax.
• More Info: Massachusetts Department of Revenue

Missouri

• Dates: August 1 - August 3, 2025
• What's Covered: The "Show-Me" state's tax holiday includes personal computers (up to $1,500), computer software (up to a $350), and computer peripherals (up to $1,500).
• More Info: Missouri Department of Revenue

Ohio

• Dates: August 1 - August 14, 2025
• What's Covered: Ohio has expanded its holiday to two weeks and now includes a wide range of items, including "Computers, televisions, and other gadgets," according to the Ohio Department of Taxation. But, it's limited to items priced at $500 or less. 
• More Info: Ohio Department of Taxation 

Texas

• Dates: August 8 - August 10, 2025
• What's Covered: Texas is also largely focused on clothing, but items like backpacks (under $100) are tax-free. Some school supplies, including calculators, are also covered. 
• More Info: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Virginia

• Dates: August 1 - August 3, 2025
• What's Covered: Virginia's holiday has some interesting sales tax breaks for portable generators up to $1,000, and hurricane preparedness items under $60, which can include phone chargers and batteries. 
• More Info: Virginia Department of Taxation