Here’s what you need to know about tax-free weekend in Alabama July 18-20

Back-to-school season is about to kick off, and so is Alabama’s tax-free weekend.

Whether you’re shopping for classroom supplies or eyeing a new pair of sneakers, this is your chance to save. You don’t have to be a student (or have one) to score deals—tons of items are tax-exempt all weekend long.

Keep reading to learn more about what kinds of items are exempt and where to shop this year.

Alabama’s 20th annual tax-free weekend

This year, Alabama’s tax-free weekend will be from Friday, July 18 to midnight on Sunday, July 20. Shoppers in Alabama can grab school supplies, clothes and other select items without paying sales tax in eligible cities across Alabama.

Participating cities include:

• Birmingham 
• Homewood
• Hoover
• Irondale 
• Leeds
• Mountain Brook
• Trussville
• Vestavia Hills 
• + more—view full list here

What you can buy tax-free

Let’s jump right in—what items qualify as tax free? According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, here’s some of the items that eligible:

• Clothing items less than $100 each
• Single purchases of computers, computer supplies or computer software $750 or less
• School supplies, school art supplies or school instructional material $50 or less per item
• Books at $30 or less each

You can view the full list here.

More tax-free purchases to consider

Even if you’re not doing any back-to-school shopping, you can still take advantage of the savings this weekend. Here are some of the tax-free items you can grab.

• Diapers
• Art supplies (paintbrushes, canvases, sketchpads)
• Computer storage devices
• Computer printers
• Printer ink

What’s not covered by the tax-free holiday

Unfortunately, there are some items that will not eligible for tax-exemption on tax-free weekend.

Here are a few:

• Cell phones
• Video games
• Makeup
• Jewelry
• Handbags
• Furniture
• + more—view the list here

Support local in Alabama

Birmingham is full of wonderful locally owned shops. While you’re out scoring on savings, stop by and check out some of these local gems—you might just find a new favorite spot.

• Dear Prudence | 5874 Elsie Rd, Hoover, AL 35244 | Monday-Saturday 10AM-6PM, Sunday 12PM-5PM
• Plato’s Closet Hoover | Riverchase Promenade, 1725 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover, AL 35244 | Monday-Saturday 10AM-9PM, Sunday 12Pm-6PM
• Second Hand Rose | 4200 Oakview Ln, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 | Monday-Saturday 11AM-4PM, Closed Sunday
• The Lili Pad | 3138 Heights Village, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 | Monday-Friday 9:30AM-5PM, Saturday 10AM-5PM, Closed Sunday

See our full list of local businesses here.

One-stop-shopping centers

For your convenience, here are a few shopping centers around the city where you can browse, buy, and maybe even treat yourself—all in one place.

• Riverchase Galleria | 2000 Galleria Cir, Hoover, AL 35244
• The Shops of Grand River | 6200 Grand River Blvd E, Leeds, AL 35094
• The Summit Birmingham | 214 Summit Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35243
• The Pinnacle | 5006 Pinnacle Sq Suite 104, Birmingham, AL 35235

Tax-free savings at these national retailers

Don’t forget to cash in on savings at some of these popular national brands.

• Target 
• Walmart 
• T.J. Maxx 
• Marshalls 
• Ross Dress for Less
• Shoe Dept.

Will you be shopping local this holiday? Let us know on social @bhamnow on Facebook and Instagram!