Mississippi’s tax-free week is one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year for families, students, and anyone planning back-to-school purchases.
For a limited time, the state temporarily suspends sales tax on qualifying items, helping residents stretch their budgets during a season when expenses add up fast.
If you are planning your shopping for 2026, understanding when Mississippi’s tax-free week happens, what items qualify, what limits apply, and how to prepare ahead of time can make a real difference in how much you save.
This guide breaks everything down in plain English so you can shop confidently and avoid surprises at checkout.
What Is Mississippi’s Tax-Free Week?
Mississippi’s tax-free week is an annual sales tax holiday designed to help residents save money on back-to-school essentials. During this period, the state waives its 7 percent sales tax on eligible clothing, footwear, and school supplies that fall under specific price limits.
The idea is simple. Instead of paying sales tax at the register, shoppers get an instant discount on qualifying items. Retailers do not need to apply coupons or special codes. The tax is automatically removed during the designated time window.
This holiday is especially helpful for families with school-aged children, but adults can also benefit if they are purchasing qualifying items like clothing or shoes within the price limits.
When Is The Tax-Free Week In Mississippi for 2026?
Mississippi traditionally schedules its tax-free week in late July, right before the new school year begins. Based on historical patterns and state announcements from prior years, the Mississippi tax-free week for 2026 is expected to take place:
Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026
The holiday usually starts at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. While the state typically follows this schedule, it is always wise to double-check closer to the date in case of any official changes.
Planning your shopping around these exact dates ensures you receive the tax exemption. Purchases made before or after the holiday window do not qualify, even if the items themselves meet all other requirements.
Why Mississippi Offers a Tax-Free Week
The tax-free week serves several purposes for the state and its residents.
First, it provides financial relief to families during one of the most expensive times of the year. Back-to-school shopping often includes clothing, shoes, backpacks, notebooks, and other essentials that quickly add up.
Second, it encourages local spending. Many shoppers choose to buy from Mississippi retailers instead of shopping out of state or online, which helps local businesses increase foot traffic and sales volume.
Third, it simplifies savings. Instead of navigating complicated rebates or credits, shoppers save immediately at checkout.
What Items Are Tax-Free During Mississippi’s Tax-Free Week?
Not everything in the store qualifies for tax-free treatment. Mississippi clearly defines which items are eligible and sets price limits for each category.
Tax-Free Clothing and Footwear
Clothing and footwear are exempt from sales tax during the holiday if each item costs less than $100.
Eligible items generally include:
- Shirts, pants, jeans, skirts, and dresses
- Jackets, coats, and sweaters
- Socks, underwear, and hosiery
- Shoes, sneakers, sandals, and boots
Accessories and specialty items are usually excluded. For example, jewelry, handbags, briefcases, watches, and athletic equipment typically remain taxable.
Tax-Free School Supplies
School supplies are also exempt if each item costs less than $100.
Common qualifying supplies include:
- Notebooks and binders
- Pens, pencils, crayons, and markers
- Folders and loose-leaf paper
- Backpacks
- Calculators and rulers
Items that are not normally used in a classroom setting may not qualify, even if they are sold in the school supply section.
Items That Do Not Qualify for the Tax-Free Week
Understanding exclusions is just as important as knowing what qualifies. The following items are generally still taxable during Mississippi’s tax-free week:
- Computers, laptops, and tablets
- Smartphones and electronic devices
- Furniture and desks
- Sporting equipment
- Books that are not school supplies
- Clothing accessories such as jewelry and handbags
If an item does not clearly fall under clothing, footwear, or basic school supplies, assume it is taxable unless confirmed otherwise.
How Price Limits Work During the Tax Holiday
The price limit applies per item, not per receipt. This distinction matters.
For example:
- Two shirts priced at $50 each qualify because each item is under $100.
- One jacket priced at $120 does not qualify, even if your total purchase is under $100.
Retailers may bundle items together, but the combined price must still meet the per-item rule. Always ask for itemized pricing if you are unsure.
Does Mississippi’s Tax-Free Week Apply to Online Shopping?
Yes, online purchases can qualify as long as certain conditions are met.
To receive the tax exemption:
- The purchase must be made during the official tax-free week dates.
- The item must be eligible and under the price limit.
- The retailer must be set up to collect Mississippi sales tax.
Shipping charges may or may not be taxable depending on how they are listed. If shipping is included in the item price, it could push the item over the $100 limit. Separately stated shipping charges are typically treated differently.
Can Layaway and Rain Checks Qualify?
Layaway purchases usually do not qualify unless the final payment and delivery occur during the tax-free week. If you place an item on layaway before the holiday and complete payment after, it may not be exempt.
Rain checks generally do not qualify because the purchase is completed after the holiday ends, even if the rain check was issued during the tax-free week.
Always confirm store policies ahead of time to avoid confusion.
How Much Can You Save During Mississippi’s Tax-Free Week?
Savings depend on how much you spend on qualifying items. Since Mississippi’s state sales tax rate is 7 percent, the savings can add up quickly.
For example:
- Spend $300 on qualifying clothing and school supplies and save about $21 in sales tax.
- Spend $600 and save around $42.
- For larger families, total savings can easily exceed $50 or more.
While it may not seem huge on a single item, combined purchases can make a noticeable difference in your overall back-to-school budget.
Smart Shopping Tips for Mississippi’s Tax-Free Week 2026
Planning ahead is the best way to maximize your savings.
Make a Detailed Shopping List
Know exactly what you need before the holiday starts. This helps you avoid impulse purchases that may not qualify for the tax exemption.
Check Prices in Advance
Some retailers raise prices right before tax-free weekends. Compare prices early and keep an eye on deals so you can recognize genuine savings.
Combine Sales With the Tax Holiday
Store discounts, coupons, and promotions can usually be combined with the tax exemption. This can significantly reduce your total cost.
Shop Early in the Weekend
Popular sizes and items sell out quickly. Shopping early increases your chances of finding what you need without settling for higher-priced alternatives.
Budgeting for Tax-Free Week When Cash Is Tight
Back-to-school shopping often comes at a time when finances are already stretched. Rent, utilities, groceries, and summer expenses can leave little room for extra spending.
If you need short-term help covering essentials during tax-free week, some people turn to cash advance tools to bridge the gap. For example, Beem Everdraft™ allows eligible users to access between $10 and $1,000 in instant cash advances when funds run low.
On top of your unlocked Everdraft™ amount, the Beem Boost feature can help you unlock additional cash to increase your available spending power.
Used responsibly, tools like this can help cover urgent needs like school clothes or supplies without delaying purchases until prices rise again after the holiday.
How Mississippi’s Tax-Free Week Compares to Other States
Mississippi’s tax-free week is shorter than some other states that offer longer sales tax holidays. However, its straightforward structure makes it easy to understand and use.
Unlike states that include electronics or computers, Mississippi keeps the focus on clothing and school supplies. This simplicity reduces confusion but also means fewer high-ticket savings opportunities.
If you live near a state border, it may be worth comparing tax-free rules across states. Just remember that sales tax is usually based on where the item is delivered or picked up.
Common Mistakes Shoppers Make During Tax-Free Week
Even seasoned shoppers can make errors that reduce their savings.
Buying Non-Qualifying Items by Accident
Items placed near school supplies may not be eligible. Always double-check the product category.
Exceeding the Price Limit
One extra dollar can make an item fully taxable. Watch price tags closely.
Missing the Time Window
Purchases made minutes before the holiday starts or after it ends do not qualify.
Assuming All Stores Participate
Most retailers comply with state rules, but small businesses may handle exemptions differently.
Does the Tax-Free Week Apply to Local Taxes?
Mississippi’s tax-free week generally applies to the state sales tax. Local sales taxes may still apply depending on how the exemption is structured for that year.
This means you might still see a small tax amount on your receipt even during the holiday. The total tax savings can vary by city or county.
Preparing for Back-to-School Season Beyond Tax-Free Week
While tax-free week offers meaningful savings, it should be part of a broader back-to-school strategy.
Consider spreading purchases over several weeks to avoid last-minute stress. Buy basics during the tax holiday and wait for clearance sales for extras later in the season.
Tracking expenses and setting a clear budget can help you avoid overspending, especially if you are juggling multiple financial priorities.
Final Thoughts on Mississippi’s Tax-Free Week 2026
Mississippi’s tax-free week in 2026 offers a valuable opportunity to save on essential back-to-school items. By understanding the dates, knowing which items qualify, and planning your purchases carefully, you can make the most of this limited-time benefit.
Late July comes quickly, and preparation is key. Whether you are shopping for one child or several, or even updating your own wardrobe, the savings can add up when used wisely.
And if timing or cash flow becomes a challenge, responsible short-term options like Beem Everdraft™ can help cover immediate needs so you do not miss out on the tax-free savings window.
With the right approach, Mississippi’s tax-free week can ease financial pressure and help you start the school year on solid footing.
