Upcoming Sales Tax Holiday Emphasizes Back To School Shopping

Families preparing to send their kids back to school can save a little bit of money this weekend.  

The state’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins at midnight, Friday, July 31, and runs through Monday, August 3, 2026.   

During this window, West Virginians will be exempt from the state’s 6% sales tax on qualifying back-to-school essentials including: 

• clothing and footwear priced at $125 or less per item  

• school supplies priced at $50 or less per item 

• instructional materials priced at $20 or less per item 

• sports equipment priced at $150 or less per item 

• laptops or tablets priced at $500 or less per device.  

According to Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s office, during last year’s sales tax holiday, West Virginia taxpayers saved more than $3.5 million. Administration officials expect to surpass that mark this year as families take advantage of the direct savings on critical school gear. 

At a press conference in Greenbrier County, the governor also floated the possibility of further savings this weekend.  

“I’m asking every vendor if you have a chance to do some additional discounts for our citizens. That would be terrific. That’s a great combination,” he said. 

Passed in 2019, House Bill 206 established the tax holiday for school supplies and instructional materials beginning in 2021. 

In a press release, Morrisey said the tax holiday aligns with broader efforts to lower taxes and address affordability for West Virginians.  Recent initiatives include a 5% across-the-board personal income tax cut and $230 million in overall annual tax relief for citizens.