Arkansas Tax-Free weekend Offers Savings for Students

Written By: Tina Alvey Dale

Students preparing for the fall semester at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith can save on back-to-school purchases during Arkansas' annual sales tax holiday Aug. 1 and 2. 

The tax-free weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, and continues through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2. During that 48-hour period, shoppers can purchase eligible items without paying state or local sales tax. 

The exemption applies to clothing and footwear priced at less than $100 per item and clothing accessories priced at less than $50 per item. It also includes qualifying school supplies, school art supplies, school instructional materials, and electronic devices commonly used by students. 

Arkansas law requires all retailers to participate in the sales tax holiday and prohibits them from charging sales tax on eligible purchases during the event. 

For UAFS students, the weekend provides an opportunity to purchase study essentials, technology, and other qualifying items before the start of the fall semester while reducing the overall cost of back-to-school shopping. 

The sales tax holiday is authorized under Act 757 of 2011 and is held annually during the first weekend in August. 

For a full list of eligible items, visit dfa.arkansas.gov.