Back-to-school sales tax holiday begins Friday

By Matthew Young

Gov. Patrick Morrisey, on Wednesday, announced the dates for the annual “back-to-school tax holiday,” a four-day period where West Virginia’s standard 6% sales tax is waived on qualifying school supplies and clothing items. The scheduled dates for this year’s tax-free period are from Friday, July 31 through Monday, Aug. 3. 

Qualifying items include 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, and laptops or tablets priced at $500 or less per device. 

“As families across West Virginia prepare to send their children back to school, I know this time of year brings both genuine excitement and real financial stress,” Morrisey said in a Wednesday press release. “Between new shoes, clothes, backpack essentials, and modern classroom tech, the costs stack up quickly. As your Governor, my mission is to get government out of the way and put more of your hard-earned dollars back in your pocket.”

Morrisey’s announcement of the sales tax holiday comes less than three months after independent financial auditor, BDO USA, projected a $43 million deficit in the state’s TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) funding. As a result, Morrisey delayed the start of the 2026 clothing voucher program for several weeks, leaving many West Virginia families wondering if they would be able to afford back-to-school clothes for their children. 

“We are building a West Virginia where our children can build a thriving life right here at home,” Morrisey’s statement further noted. “We’re doing more than just saving families a few bucks at the register; we are investing in our children’s future, backing our local Main Street businesses, and building a stronger, more resilient West Virginia.”

Back-to-school dates in West Virginia counties are staggered between Aug. 13. And Aug. 25. The first day of school in Kanawha County is Wednesday, Aug. 19.