x
Breaking News
More () »

Clothes and shoes are tax-free this weekend in Iowa

Families can save some money on back-to-school shopping this weekend if they do it in Iowa.

Families can save some money on back-to-school shopping this weekend if they do it in Iowa.

Iowa's Annual Sales Tax Holiday is on Friday and Saturday, August 4th and 5th.  This means buyers won't pay taxes on clothing and footwear sold in Iowa.

Clothing includes any piece of apparel that is worn on the body.  It does not include items like watches, jewelry and sporting equipment. Click here to see what does and does not apply. 

Here are some rules:

  • Exemption period: from 12:01 a.m., August 4, 2017, through midnight, August 5, 2017
  • No sales tax, including local option sales tax, will be collected on sales of an article of clothing or footwear having a selling price less than $100.00
  • The exemption does not apply in any way to the price of an item selling for $100.00 or more
  • The exemption applies to each article priced under $100.00 regardless of how many items are sold on the same invoice to a customer

According to the National Retail Federation, families with kids in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $688 each on back-to-school shopping this year.

So, every markdown makes a difference.

"I have three kids, so it's always really helpful, even if it's only $15 or $20. It adds up," said mom Jessica Gordon, who was doing some shopping at Kohl's on Friday.

Both Kohl's and JC Penney in Davenport were busy with shoppers, and store managers said they were ready to handle the crowds.

"We definitely prepare for it like a mini Black Friday. We make sure we have all hands on deck for our associates that are here to help our customers, and we just really prepare big," said Caraline Coleman, an assistant manager of merchandise at JC Penney.

Illinois will not have a tax-free weekend this year. The state had a summer sales tax holiday back in 2010, but hasn't held one since.

Before You Leave, Check This Out