Madison County joins Alabama’s back-to-school sales tax holiday

Back-to-school shopping in Madison County will pinch a bit less during Alabama’s July sales tax holiday weekend.

During the event, now in its 20th year, shoppers can buy certain school supplies, articles of clothing and computers free from the state sales tax.

Wednesday, Madison County commissioners opted to participate again this year, meaning buyers of items exempt from Alabama’s 4% sales tax will also get a break on the county’s 0.5% levy.

The back-to-school sales tax holiday runs from 12:01 a.m. July 18 through midnight July 20.

Here is a partial list of eligible items, according to the Alabama Department of Revenue.

Clothing

Most items intended for general wear that cost $100 per article or less are exempt. This includes shirts, pants, shoes, gloves, hats, school uniforms and underwear. Most accessories like jewelry and handbags, along with sporting goods and protective equipment, are not exempt.

Computers, software and accessories

Computers costing less than $750 and consisting of a “package” — meaning a CPU and associated accessories like a display, mouse and keyboard — are exempt. This includes laptops, desktops and tower packages. Computer parts and devices sold individually do not qualify. Most software — aside from noneducational video games — is also exempt.

Books and school supplies

Books with a price tag of $30 or less are exempt. The holiday does not include magazines or periodicals. School supplies, art supplies and instructional materials valued at $50 or less per item will be exempt. That includes backpacks, lunch boxes, markers, calculators, writing and sketch pads, and modeling clay.