7 Things You Don’t Know About the Tennessee Tax Free Weekend

Do you love saving money when you shop? From Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28, Tennessee Tax Free Weekend will be in full swing across Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. During this time, clothing, school supplies, and computers can all be purchased tax-free, with certain restrictions. You can save on plenty of items items while shopping during the tax free holiday. Find out more below!

1. Which items are non-taxable during the Tennessee Tax Free Weekend?

Clothing

• Items priced at less than $100
• Belts, coats, dresses, gloves, hats, jeans, pants, school uniforms, shoes, shirts, etc.
• Not exempt: apparel priced at more than $100, items sold together, such as shoes, can’t be split up to stay beneath the $100 maximum, and items like jewelry, handbags, or sports and recreational equipment

School Supplies

• Items priced at less than $100
• Backpacks, books, crayons, folders, lunch boxes, notebooks, pens, paints, drawing pads, etc.
• Not exempt: school and art supplies priced at more than $100 individually, and items normally sold together cannot be split up to stay beneath the $100 maximum

Computers

• Computers for personal use priced at less than $1,500
• Laptop computers, if priced at $1,500 or less, also qualify, as well as tablet computers
• Not exempt: storage media, like flash drives, individually purchased software, printer supplies, and household appliances

For more information about tax free items, take a look at the State of Tennessee’s website here: https://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday.html 

2. What is Tennessee’s sales tax rate?

The state of Tennessee has a sales tax rate of 7%. No matter where you are for the Tennessee Tax Free Weekend, you will at least save that much!

Sevier County has an additional tax rate of 2.75%. Meaning, the total sales tax in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville equals 9.75%. So, when you buy any of the qualifying items while you’re in these areas, you will save a total of 9.75%. That’s a pretty big savings!

Tips for Shopping During Tennessee Tax Free Weekend

3. Remember that the stores will be pretty busy. It may be a good idea to plan ahead, know exactly where you want to go and have a good idea of the things you may be looking to buy.

4. The lines may be long, so you may not be able to try on a lot of clothes. It’s smart to know what sizes you are looking for in which items.

5. When you’re shopping, it’s best to go early in the day when stores open. This way, you hit the stores before they get busy and you also get the best selection of merchandise that’s on sale.

6. Don’t want to face the crowds at the stores? Items sold online are also eligible!

7. If you want to save even more money during Tennessee Tax Free Weekend, take a look at Visit My Smokies’ selection of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge coupons.

Shopping in the Smoky Mountains

If you’re in the Smoky Mountains during Tax Free Weekend, you’re in luck! There are plenty of great places you can shop while you’re in town. Wondering where you should go? Check out the best shops in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!