Governor Spanberger Encourages Virginians to Save on School Supplies During This Weekend’s Sales Tax Holiday

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger today encouraged Virginians to take advantage of reduced prices for back-to-school shopping during Virginia's sales tax holiday weekend - running from Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9, 2026.

"With students heading back to school soon, I know many families - like mine - are shopping for this year's school supplies. Virginians across the Commonwealth can take advantage of savings this weekend," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "Particularly at a time when the chaos and uncertainty out of Washington are driving up costs and putting additional strain on families, our three-day sales tax holiday will help families spend less. I am proud that our Commonwealth is offering this important opportunity for parents, families, teachers, and students to get prepared for a great school year."

During this sales tax holiday weekend, Virginians can buy school supplies - including notebooks, bookbags, pens, and pencils - clothing, and footwear without paying sales tax.

• Qualified school supplies - $20 or less per item
• Qualified clothing and footwear - $100 or less per item

"We recognize that Virginia families face growing financial challenges due to current global instability and rising inflation," said Secretary of Finance Mark Sickles. "We urge everyone to consider supporting Virginia businesses when they take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to access critical items without paying state and local sales tax."

Purchases of emergency preparedness products, as well as energy and water efficient products, will also be exempt from sales tax this weekend.

Hurricane and emergency preparedness products:

• Portable generators - $1,000 or less per item
• Gas-powered chainsaws - $350 or less per item
• Chainsaw accessories - $60 or less per item
• Other specified hurricane preparedness items - $60 or less per item

Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products:

• Qualifying Energy Star™ or WaterSense™ products purchased for noncommercial home or personal use - $2,500 or less per item

A short video about qualifying items and more information for retailers can be found on Virginia Tax's website.

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