Does Alabama have a tax-free weekend?
Quick answer
Yes. Alabama runs a sales tax holiday: Back-to-school holiday in July and a severe weather preparedness holiday in February. Qualifying purchases skip the full combined rate, which runs 10% in covered Alabama metros.
Holiday dates and qualifying item lists are set by statute and can change year to year. Alabama Department of Revenue publishes the official list before each holiday, including per-item price caps and whether local jurisdictions must participate.
Rule summary
How Alabama treats each category.
| Recurring holiday | Back-to-school holiday in July and a severe weather preparedness holiday in February. |
|---|---|
| Normal combined rate | 10% |
| Clothing exemption | None |
| Grocery exemption | Reduced rate (2% state) |
This page summarizes the general rule. Every state writes exceptions for specific products, and local jurisdictions can differ from the state treatment. Confirm your situation with the Alabama Department of Revenue or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in Alabama
What a taxable purchase actually costs in Alabama.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Does Alabama have a tax-free weekend?
- Yes — Alabama runs a sales tax holiday: Back-to-school holiday in July and a severe weather preparedness holiday in February.
- Do local taxes still apply during a Alabama sales tax holiday?
- It depends on the statute. Some states require every local jurisdiction to participate; others let cities opt out and keep charging their local share. Alabama Department of Revenue publishes the participating jurisdictions each year.
More Alabama guides
Other Alabama rules that change the total.