Tax-Free Weekend Boosts Back-to-School Shopping Across Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma

Several Midwestern states, including Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, are hosting annual tax-free weekends in early August to provide financial relief for families purchasing back-to-school items. Iowa's tax-free weekend exempts sales tax on clothing and footwear under $100 and includes online purchases during the specified period. Missouri's tax-free weekend offers exemptions on clothing priced at $100 or less, school supplies up to $50 per purchase, and computer software valued at $350 or less, with specific exclusions such as accessories. Arkansas and Oklahoma also participate with similar exemptions primarily focused on clothing and footwear under $100, though school supplies are not tax-exempt in Oklahoma. These holidays encourage shoppers, including Wisconsin residents who lack similar tax relief, to cross state lines to benefit from the savings. Discussions are ongoing in some neighboring states about adopting comparable tax holidays to assist families with back-to-school expenses.