The end of summer vacation is looming, and now is the time to save money on school supplies.
Starting today, most back-to-school shopping is exempt from state sales tax. The tax-free period runs until Aug. 6.
The list of tax-free items includes learning aids and puzzles under $30; school supplies under $50; clothing, shoes and accessories under $100; and computers and computer accessories under $1,500. Here’s a full list.
The Florida Department of Revenue also offers this advice:
If I purchase an item that costs more than the limits, do I owe sales tax on only the portion of the price that exceeds the limit?
If you purchase an item that would otherwise qualify for the sales tax exemption but costs more than the limits listed, the item is not exempt and you must pay sales tax on the entire price of the item.
Is there a limit on the number of items that can be purchased exempt during the sales tax holiday?
No. The exemption is based on the sales price of each item, not on the number of items purchased.
What types of items are not exempt?
The Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday does not apply to:
- Any item of clothing with a sales price of more than $100.
- Any school supply item with a sales price of more than $50.
- Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of more than $30.
- Books that are not otherwise exempt.
- Computers and computer-related accessories with a sales price of more than $1,500.
- Computers and computer-related accessories purchased for commercial purposes.
- Rentals of any eligible items.
- Repairs or alterations of any eligible items.
- Sales of any eligible items within a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or airport.
If I buy a package or set of items that contains both taxable and tax-exempt items, how is sales tax calculated?
If a tax-exempt item is sold in a package with a taxable item, sales tax must be calculated on the sales price of the entire package or set.
If I purchase a gift card during the sales tax holiday, can I then purchase a qualifying item tax-exempt using the gift card after the tax holidays end?
No. The purchase of the qualifying item must be made during the sales tax holiday to be tax-exempt. However, when qualifying items are purchased during the tax holiday using a gift card, the items are tax-exempt; it does not matter when the gift card was purchased.
Does the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday also apply to items I purchase online?
Yes. Items purchased online are exempt when the order is accepted by the company during the sales tax holidays for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the tax holidays.
I've heard there were several sales tax holidays this year. Where can I find more information about the other holidays?
House Bill 7063 was signed into law on May 25. The new law contains six tax relief holidays and specifies the time frame for each holiday. For a calendar of the tax relief holidays, go to floridarevenue.com.