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Savings Alert: Back-to-School Sales Tax Holidays of 2016 Are Rolling Out

By U.S. News & World Report

A shiny “Frozen” lunchbox: $7.99.

A pair of new Converse: $49.99.

A copy of “Expresate” Spanish Level 3 textbook: $72.35.

The cost of back-to-school gear can add up quickly.

That’s why — for a precious handful of days each year — many states give hardworking parents and their wallets a break. During back-to-school sales tax holidays, states like Florida, Virginia and Arkansas allow shoppers to purchase certain back-to-school items free of sales tax.

Not all states elect to hold sales tax holidays, however, and each participating state’s tax-free holiday is unique. Different state holidays may have different dates, and offer tax exemption for different types of products.

[See: 10 Money-Saving Websites to Check Before Shopping.]

This year, 16 states have confirmed participation in a tax-free holiday. You can find details on dates, qualifying products and state tax rates below. Keep in mind these rates do not include any local taxes, and actual sales tax rates may differ by county, city and municipality.

Alabama Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5-7

State sales tax: 4 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, Alabama shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

— Computers under $750 per item

— School and art supplies under $50 per item

— Textbooks between $40 and $50

— Books under $30

Excluded: handbags, cosmetics, sports shoes, cell phones and video games

[See: 12 Ways to Be a More Mindful Spender.]

Arkansas Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 6–7

State sales tax: 6.5 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, Arkansas shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

— Accessories under $50 per item

— School and art supplies (no limit)

— Reference supplies (no limit)

Excluded: sewing equipment, protection equipment and recreational equipment

Connecticut Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 21–27

State sales tax: 6.35 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, Connecticut shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

Excluded: Athletic uniforms and protective gear

Florida Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5–7

State sales tax: 6 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, Florida shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and shoes under $60 per item

— School supplies under $15 per item

— Computers and software under $750 per item

Georgia Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: July 30–31

State sales tax: 4 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, Georgia shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and footwear under $100 per item

— School supplies under $20 per item

— Computers and software under $1,000 per item

Excluded: clothing accessories and non-recreational electronics and software

Iowa Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5–6

State sales tax: 6 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, Iowa shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and footwear under $100 per item

Excluded: bags, backpacks, wallets, watches, athletic uniforms and cleats

[See: How to Live on $13,000 a Year.]

Maryland Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 14–20

Sales tax: 6 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, Maryland shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and shoes under $100 per item.

Excluded: handbags, backpacks, jewelry and watches

Mississippi Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: July 29–30

State sales tax: 7 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, Mississippi shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

Excludes: backpacks, luggage, purses, wallets, skates and skis

Missouri Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5-7

Sales tax: 4.225 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, Missouri shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and footwear under $100 per item

— School supplies under $50 per item

— Computers under $1,500 per item

— Software under $350

— Graphing calculators under $150

Excludes: ties, watches, handbags and sporting equipment

New Mexico Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5–7

State sales tax: 5.125 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, New Mexico shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

— School supplies under $30 per item

— Backpacks under $100 per item

— Calculators under $200 per item

Excludes: athletic uniforms and gear, costumes, handbags, briefcases and separately sold software

Ohio Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5–7

State sales tax: 6.25 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, Ohio shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and shoes under $75 per item

— School supplies under $20 per item

— Instructional materials under $20 per item

Excluded: Items used in trade or business

Oklahoma Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5–7

Sales tax: 4.5 percent

During the state’s Tax Holiday, Oklahoma shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

Excludes: accessories, athletic shoes or protective gear

South Carolina Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5–7

Sales tax: 6 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, South Carolina shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and shoes (no limit)

— School supplies (no limit)

— Computers, software and printers (no limit)

— Home towels, bathmats and bedding (no limit)

Excludes: jewelry, cosmetics and eyewear

Tennessee Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: July 29-31

Sales tax: 7 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, Tennessee shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

— School supplies under $100 per item

— Computers under $1,500 per item

Excludes: bags, jewelry, sports gear, reference books and separately sold software

Texas Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5–7

Sales tax: 8.25 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, Texas shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

— School supplies under $100 per item

Excludes: handbags and protective sports gear

Virginia Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Dates: August 5–7

Sales tax: 4.3 percent

During the state’s tax holiday, Virginia shoppers can purchase the following items without sales tax:

— Clothing and shoes under $100 per item

— School supplies under $20 per item

Excludes: jewelry, handbags, printers and digital storage media

Want to learn more about your state’s back-to-school tax holiday? Visit your state’s Department of Revenue website for further details and a complete list of exempt and non-exempt items.

More from U.S. News

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Savings Alert: Back-to-School Sales Tax Holidays of 2016 Are Rolling Out originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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