New Hampshire: Tax-Free Goods with Dining Exceptions
New Hampshire offers shoppers an enticing tax-free experience, especially for goods such as clothing, electronics, and winter gear. The state is well-known for not imposing a sales tax on most items, making it a popular shopping destination. However, tourists should note that there is an 8.5% Meals and Rooms Tax applied to hotel stays and restaurant meals, which is anticipated to rise to 9% in 2026. While shopping is free of tax, dining and lodging will incur this additional charge.
| State Sales Tax | Local Sales Tax | Best Purchases | Fine Print |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 0% | Winter gear, liquor, electronics | 8.5% Meals and Rooms Tax applies to hotel stays and meals, not goods. |
Florida: Tax-Free Shopping in August
Florida takes a different approach by designating an entire month—August—as tax-free shopping. During this period, items like clothing priced under $100 and computers under $1,500 are exempt from sales tax, allowing families to save significantly on back-to-school clothing and electronics.
| Tax-Free Dates | Items Tax-Free |
|---|---|
| August 1–31 | Clothing under $100, Computers under $1,500 |
Texas: Tax-Free Weekend
In Texas, the excitement peaks during the annual Tax-Free Weekend in August. Shoppers can purchase clothing and footwear priced under $100 without incurring sales tax. This initiative is particularly beneficial for families gearing up for the upcoming school year.
| Tax-Free Dates | Items Tax-Free |
|---|---|
| August 8–10 | Clothing/Footwear under $100 |
Ohio: Tax-Free Shopping for Two Weeks
Ohio goes a step further by creating a Sales Tax Holiday that lasts for two weeks, allowing shoppers to buy nearly all items under $500 without having to pay sales tax. This includes clothing, electronics, and more, which opens up a world of savings for consumers.
| Tax-Free Dates | Items Tax-Free |
|---|---|
| August 1–14 | Almost all items under $500 |
Montana: Resort Taxes with Tax-Free Shopping
Montana is unique in that it offers tax-free shopping broadly, yet local areas may impose a “Resort Tax.” While the state has no general sales tax, destinations like Big Sky and Whitefish apply a 3% tax on luxury items, restaurant meals, and recreational activities. Cities such as Billings and Missoula, which do not have resort taxes, present excellent opportunities for tax-free shopping.
| State Sales Tax | Local Sales Tax | Best Purchases | Fine Print |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | Varies by location | Luxury items, jewelry, outdoor gear | Resort towns apply a 3% “Resort Tax” on luxury goods. |
Delaware: The Ultimate Tax-Free Destination
Delaware shines as a premier tax-free shopping destination, boasting a 0% sales tax on both state and local levels. This absence of sales tax makes it an ideal place for purchasing high-end electronics, jewelry, and designer items. Although businesses may incur a Gross Receipts Tax, shoppers won’t see this reflected in their checkout totals.
| State Sales Tax | Local Sales Tax | Best Purchases | Fine Print |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 0% | High-end electronics, jewelry, designer fashion | Gross Receipts Tax may subtly affect prices. |
Oregon: Simple and Transparent Shopping
Oregon offers a straightforward shopping experience devoid of sales tax at both state and local levels. While there is a minimal 0.1% Statewide Transit Tax on wages, this does not affect tourists. Taxes are already included in the prices of tobacco and alcohol, making it a stress-free shopping environment.
| State Sales Tax | Local Sales Tax | Best Purchases | Fine Print |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 0% | Outdoor gear, outlet shopping | 0.1% Statewide Transit Tax applies to wages. |
Alaska: A Mixed Bag of Tax-Free Shopping
Alaska presents a mixed shopping landscape. Although the state imposes no sales tax, local municipalities are free to set their own. For instance, while Anchorage charges no tax, cities like Juneau and Fairbanks do impose taxes between 5% and 7.5%. Tourists venturing into port towns may also encounter local taxes, making Anchorage the prime location for tax-free shopping.
| State Sales Tax | Local Sales Tax | Best Purchases | Fine Print |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | Varies by location | Electronics, outdoor gear, souvenirs | Anchorage charges no local tax; other cities may charge up to 7.5%. |
With these states leading the charge in tax-free shopping, visitors are encouraged to save money while enjoying unique local experiences. The combination of potential savings and memorable attractions make these destinations particularly appealing for travelers in 2026.