Back-to-School Savings: Iowa’s Tax-Free Weekend is Almost Here

With items in stores as expensive as they are, parents will take any savings they can get as back-to-school season quickly approaches! One way that many states, including Iowa, pass along some savings is with a tax-free shopping weekend.

Iowa is One of 18 States With a Sales Tax Holiday

The Des Moines Register reports that Iowa is one of 18 states with a sales tax holiday in 2026. Neighboring state Illinois is bringing the holiday back for the first time in 10 years! Iowa's tax-free holiday got its start back in the year 2000 as a way to boost retail sales and save parents some money during back-to-school shopping.

So when is Iowa's tax-free holiday in 2026? Traditionally, it is the first Friday and Saturday during the month of August. The Register reports that this year, that falls on Friday, August 7th, and Saturday, August 8th.

What Items Are Tax-Free That Weekend?

The Register reports that clothing and footwear priced under $100 will not be subject to the normal 6 to 7% sales tax. That even includes formal wear and school uniforms. You can see a complete list of rules for the sales tax holiday from the Iowa Department of Revenue HERE.

Back-to-school items like folders, markers, pencils, and more are NOT included in the sales tax holiday, according to the Register.

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