Mississippi Sales Tax Holiday offers financial relief for families, retailers

07.13.2026

Mississippi shoppers are expected to flood retail stores this weekend as the state’s annual sales tax holiday offers a critical break for families, teachers and local businesses ahead of the new school year.

The three-day event exempts sales tax on eligible clothing, footwear and school supplies priced under $100 per item, helping households prepare for back-to-school shopping while easing financial strain caused by rising prices.

Retailers say the weekend has become one of the biggest shopping events of the year.

“It’s like Black Friday in July,” said Kathy Hackshaw, general manager of Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl. “The customer gets the benefit of all the sales in the stores plus not paying tax.”

Hackshaw said the tax holiday is especially important for families because many stores already offer discounts before the tax savings are applied.

“The combination of sales and the tax-free really, really does help them,” Hackshaw said. “I think it’s great that Mississippi does it because not all states do.”

Hackshaw encouraged shoppers to create a plan before heading to the stores.

“One of my big suggestions is to make a list of what you need,” Hackshaw said. “You can avoid some impulse shopping that way.”

Lila Winfield, marketing and outreach specialist for the Mississippi Main Street Association, said the holiday benefits more than just consumers.

“The consumer benefits because it’s leading up right to school,” Winfield said. “It gives families a tax break.”

She said local businesses also see increased traffic as shoppers choose to spend their money close to home instead of online or across state lines.

“Shopping local puts money back into the community,” Winfield said. “It also improves someone’s connection in the community.”

For families trying to stay within their budgets, Winfield recommends deciding on a spending limit before entering a store.

“I think it’s smart to go into any shopping spree with a budget in mind,” Winfield said. “If you have a little extra left over after buying what you need, then make that purchase if it’s not going to blow your budget.”

Teachers also benefit from the annual event as they prepare classrooms for the upcoming term.

“You get more for your money,” said Candace Braxton, an eighth-grade English language arts teacher from Terry.

“It gives you a chance to better plan when it comes to setting up your classroom,” Braxton said.

She also encourages parents to focus on essential items first.

“Take full advantage because tax-free weekend only comes once a year,” Braxton said. “It kind of gives teachers and parents a break from spending so much money, especially when you’ve got multiple children in school.”

(MPB - Tiara Jackson)