How to score tax-free essentials in the River Region this July

Get your shopping lists ready, River Region! Alabama families can look forward to keeping a little extra cash in their pockets during the state’s 21st annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. The 2026 three-day weekend kicks off at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 17, and runs through midnight on Sunday, July 19.

During this popular shopping event, consumers can buy school supplies, computers, books and clothing completely free of Alabama’s 4% state sales or use tax. Even better news? Local municipalities across Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore counties are joining in by waiving their local taxes, stacking up the discount for local shoppers.

Modernized rules unlock bigger River Region sales tax savings

This year’s holiday features a welcome twist: expanded exemption limits that allow you to save more than ever before. Thanks to legislation championed by the Alabama Retail Association during the 2025 legislative session, the state’s sales tax holiday thresholds have been modernized and indexed to the Consumer Price Index.

Because of these updates, the new caps for qualifying tax-free purchases in 2026 include:

• Clothing + footwear: $156 or less per item (previously $100)
• School supplies: $78 or less per item (previously $50)
• Computers + equipment: $1,173 or less on a single purchase (previously $750)
• Books: $47 or less per book, and $78 or less for textbooks (previously $30)

“The expanded exemption limits make this year’s tax holiday even more valuable for Alabama families. These changes help consumers purchase the items they need for the new school year while also supporting Alabama retailers in their local communities.”

– Rick Brown, president of the Alabama Retail Association

While the weekend is geared toward students heading back to the classroom, anyone can cash in on the tax-free perks. Everyday items like printer ink, flash drives, art supplies and even diapers are eligible for the exemption.

Participating River Region communities + local municipalities

To get the absolute most out of the weekend, you’ll want to shop where both the state and local taxes are dropped. Here is the official 2026 lineup of participating counties and municipalities across our immediate River Region area:

• Montgomery County (including the City of Montgomery)
• Autauga County (including Prattville and Millbrook)
• Elmore County (including Wetumpka, Millbrook, Coosada, Eclectic, Elmore + Tallassee)

Whether you are stocking up on standard loose-leaf paper or making a major tech upgrade, the savings on tax-free essentials are bound to add up fast.

Not sure if it’s covered? View the complete list of what qualifies (and what doesn’t) for Alabama’s big tax holiday.

Are you planning to refresh your family’s tech and wardrobe during this year’s tax-free weekend? Let us know on Facebook.