JACKSON, Miss. — Shoppers across Mississippi turned out in force over the weekend to take advantage of the state’s annual three-day Sales Tax Holiday, which runs July 10–12, 2026. The temporary exemption removes state sales tax on qualifying clothing, footwear and school supplies priced under $100 per item.
What is covered and who benefits
The exemption applies only to individual items that cost less than $100. That means many everyday purchases for students — from uniforms to shoes and basic school supplies — may be tax-free during the window. Retailers in malls, strip centers and downtown shopping districts reported heavier-than-normal foot traffic on Saturday.
State Sen. Walter Michel, R-District 25, recalled the origins of the program, saying lawmakers originally approved the break for clothes and footwear in the early 2000s and later expanded it to include school supplies. He pointed to constituent stories to explain the policy’s purpose.
"I had one of my constituents call me and she had three children and they had to buy school uniforms, clothes, other items. And she said she spent over $800 on that weekend. So, it made a difference for her,"
Sunday, July 12, is the last day to shop tax-free until the next annual holiday.
Practical details for shoppers
- Dates: July 10–12, 2026
- Eligible items: clothing, footwear and school supplies
- Price limit: Less than $100 per item
Families planning purchases should check price tags carefully and be aware that bundled or combined items may be priced above the $100 threshold even if individual components would qualify. Sales tax exemptions can vary with retailer practices, so asking at checkout or consulting in-store signage can help avoid surprises.
| Item category | Tax status (if under $100) |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Exempt |
| Footwear | Exempt |
| School supplies | Exempt |
Local impact and tips for getting the most value
For many low- and middle-income families, the holiday offers a brief but meaningful reprieve from rising household costs. Retailers can see a sales spike, which helps small businesses clear inventory ahead of fall, while schools and parents benefit from lower out-of-pocket expenses for required items.
To maximize savings, shoppers in Jackson and other Mississippi communities should:
- Make a list of needed items and check unit prices to ensure they fall under the $100 limit.
- Compare online and in-store prices; some retailers match the tax holiday pricing in their e-commerce checkout.
- Keep receipts in case of returns or exchanges.
The Sales Tax Holiday is a short-lived opportunity. For families finishing their lists, Sunday, July 12, is the final day this year to buy qualifying items without paying state sales tax.
— Jerome Patterson, News Block Mississippi Correspondent
