As families prepare for the new school year, Connecticut is offering two valuable sales tax exemptions that can help reduce back-to-school shopping costs. Whether you’re buying school clothes or stocking up on classroom essentials, understanding these exemptions can lead to meaningful savings.
Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week Returns August 16–22
Connecticut’s annual Sales Tax Free Week will take place Sunday, August 16, through Saturday, August 22, 2026. During this period, most clothing and footwear priced under $300 per item may be purchased free of Connecticut sales tax.
The exemption applies whether you shop:
- In Connecticut retail stores
- Online through qualifying retailers
It’s important to note that the $300 limit applies to each individual item—not the total purchase. An unlimited number of qualifying items may be purchased tax-free, provided each item costs less than $300.
Items That Do Not Qualify
Certain products remain taxable, including:
Specialized athletic or protective clothing not normally worn as everyday apparel
- Specialized athletic or protective clothing not normally worn as everyday apparel
- Jewelry
- Handbags
- Wallets
- Luggage
- Umbrellas
- Watches and similar accessories
If an item costs more than $300, the entire purchase price is taxable. However, if a retailer coupon reduces the final sales price below $300, the item may qualify for the exemption.
Permanent Sales Tax Exemption for Nonelectronic School Supplies
Beginning July 1, 2026, Connecticut also provides a year-round sales tax exemption for qualifying nonelectronic school supplies purchased for nonbusiness purposes.
Examples of qualifying supplies include:
- Notebooks
- Composition books
- Binders
- Pens and pencils
- Crayons and markers
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Rulers
- Paper
- Folders
- Lunch boxes
- Pencil boxes
- Chalk
- Highlighters and other traditional classroom supplies
Electronic versions of these items—or electronics such as laptops, tablets, or calculators—do not qualify under this exemption.
Business Purchases Are Different
The exemption for nonelectronic school supplies is intended only for personal, nonbusiness use.
If supplies are purchased by or for a business, they generally remain taxable. Retailers are instructed to presume purchases are for personal use unless the buyer indicates the items are being purchased for business purposes. Businesses that do not pay sales tax at the time of purchase may be required to self-report and remit use tax.
Planning Your Back-to-School Shopping
By combining Connecticut’s Sales Tax Free Week with the permanent exemption for qualifying nonelectronic school supplies, families can stretch their back-to-school budgets even further.
Before you shop:
- Purchase qualifying clothing and footwear between August 16 and August 22 to take advantage of Sales Tax Free Week.
- Keep individual clothing items below the $300 price limit whenever possible.
- Remember that qualifying nonelectronic school supplies are already exempt year-round when purchased for personal use.
With a little planning, Connecticut families can make the most of these tax-saving opportunities while preparing students for the upcoming school year.
Questions about Connecticut sales tax rules or other tax planning opportunities? Contact the professionals at Beers, Hamerman, Cohen & Burger, P.C. We’re here to help you navigate changing tax laws and make informed financial decisions.