Illinois Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday 2026: Families across Illinois and Missouri can save on back-to-school shopping as both states have launched their annual sales tax holidays. While the programs began on Friday, the benefits available to shoppers differ significantly in terms of duration, qualifying products, and the amount of tax relief offered.
Illinois shoppers will receive a reduced state sales tax rate on eligible purchases through August 16, while Missouri is offering a full exemption from state and local sales taxes on qualifying items through August 9.
Illinois Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: Dates and Tax Discount
Illinois’ back-to-school sales tax holiday runs from August 7 through August 16. During this period, the state’s sales tax on eligible purchases is reduced from 6.25% to 1.25%. However, shoppers should note that local sales taxes will still apply, meaning purchases are not completely tax-free.
The temporary tax reduction is aimed at helping families manage back-to-school expenses during the busy shopping season.
Illinois Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday 2026: Which Items Qualify in Illinois?
Illinois offers the reduced state sales tax rate on:
-
Clothing priced below $125 per item
-
Shoes costing less than $125 per item
-
School supplies with no price limit
Unlike Missouri, computers, laptops, and computer accessories are not included in Illinois’ tax holiday and remain subject to the normal tax rules.
Illinois Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday 2026: Missouri Offers Full Tax-Free Weekend
Missouri’s back-to-school sales tax holiday runs from August 7 to August 9.
Unlike Illinois, qualifying purchases are fully exempt from both state and local sales taxes during the holiday period.
The exemption is available to all shoppers, regardless of whether they are purchasing items for students. Buyers also do not need to be Missouri residents to benefit from the tax holiday.
Since a 2021 law change, all Missouri cities and municipalities are required to participate in the program, ensuring statewide tax relief on eligible purchases.
Illinois Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: Eligible Clothing in Missouri
Missouri’s tax holiday covers most clothing and footwear, including fabric used for school uniforms.
However, several accessories are excluded, including:
-
Jewelry
-
Watches
-
Handbags
-
Umbrellas
-
Scarves
-
Ties
-
Belt buckles
To qualify, each clothing item must have a taxable value of $100 or less.
Illinois Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: Computers and Electronics Covered in Missouri
Missouri also includes qualifying personal computers in its sales tax holiday.
Eligible products include:
-
Desktop computers
-
Laptop computers
-
Keyboards
-
Monitors
-
Printers
-
Scanners
-
Computer software priced at $350 or less
The purchase price of an eligible computer cannot exceed $1,500.
Illinois Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: School Supplies Eligible in Missouri
A wide range of classroom essentials qualify for the tax exemption, including:
-
Textbooks
-
Notebooks
-
Paper
-
Pens and pencils
-
Crayons
-
Art supplies
-
Rulers
-
Backpacks
-
Maps
-
Globes
-
Calculators
Qualifying graphing calculators priced at $150 or less are also included.
However, the exemption does not apply to items such as headphones, sporting equipment, office furniture, telephones, or copiers.
Illinois Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday: Illinois vs Missouri- Key Differences
Although both states are offering back-to-school tax savings, the programs differ in several important ways. Illinois provides a temporary reduction in the state sales tax, while local taxes continue to apply. Missouri, on the other hand, offers a complete exemption from both state and local sales taxes on qualifying purchases. Missouri also includes qualifying computers and related accessories, whereas Illinois limits the benefit primarily to clothing and school supplies. Shoppers planning to take advantage of either program should review the applicable eligibility rules, price limits, and qualifying products before making purchases.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Eligible products, price limits, and tax rules are subject to state guidelines. Shoppers should verify the latest eligibility criteria with the relevant state authorities before making purchases.
