Sales Tax Free Week: August 16-22

August 12, 2026
Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week returns Sunday, August 16 through Saturday, August 22, giving families and shoppers a chance to save money on back-to-school supplies and other everyday essentials.

During Sales Tax Free Week, eligible clothing, footwear, and backpacks purchased from Connecticut retailers and participating online retailers are exempt from the state's 6.35% sales tax.

This year, my colleagues and I expanded the tax exemption to include clothing, shoes, and backpacks priced under $300, helping families stretch their budgets as students prepare to head back to the classroom.

We have also permanently removed the sales tax on non-electronic school supplies such as pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, paper, folders, binders, lunch boxes, and more. 

Some items are not eligible for the exemption, including:

  • Specialized athletic or protective clothing and footwear
  • Jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas
  • Watches, waders, wetsuits

Click here to view the complete list of tax-exempt and taxable items.

Whether you're shopping for your children or picking up something for yourself, I hope you take advantage of these savings and keep a little more of your hard-earned money as you prepare for the new school year.
Learn more about Sales Tax Free Week