Shoppers in Mississippi will enjoy a longer, earlier back-to-school sales tax holiday this year. The annual event, which traditionally took place on the last Friday and Saturday in July, has been rescheduled to the second weekend of July, running from Friday, July 12, through Sunday, July 14.
The change comes in response to the state's earlier school start dates, according to State Sen. Walter Michel. "With students returning to class as early as mid-July, it made sense to move the tax-free weekend to better align with their needs," Michel said.
Gov. Tate Reeves signed Senate Bill 2470 into law on April 22, officially setting the new dates and extending the holiday by an additional day.
During the sales tax holiday, shoppers can purchase clothing, footwear and school supplies without the added burden of sales tax, provided each item costs less than $100. Eligible items include everything from jeans and sneakers to notebooks and backpacks, making it an ideal time for parents and students to stock up for the new school year.
The Mississippi Department of Revenue has yet to release specific guidance for the 2024 holiday, but the general rules remain consistent with previous years. As always, municipalities have the option to opt out of the holiday, which means local sales tax may still apply in some areas.
For more information on the 2024 sales tax holiday and a list of eligible items, visit the Mississippi Department of Revenue's website or the Sales Tax Institute's page.
