2026 Sales Tax Holidays
2026 Sales Tax Holiday Guide
Find out which Vera Bradley merchandise qualifies for sales tax exemption by state. Select a state below to jump to full eligibility details, purchase limits, and qualifying categories.
Quick Reference
Select any state name to jump to its full eligibility page. Always confirm details on the state-specific section before applying tax treatment.
| State | Holiday Dates | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | Fri, Jul 10 – Sun, Jul 12 | Clothing, footwear & school supplies |
| Alabama | Fri, Jul 17 – Sun, Jul 19 | Clothing, footwear & school supplies Local participation varies |
| Florida | Mon, Jul 20 – Thu, Aug 20 | Clothing, footwear, bags & school supplies |
| New Mexico | Fri, Jul 31 – Sun, Aug 2 | Clothing, footwear & school supplies |
| Tennessee | Fri, Jul 31 – Sun, Aug 2 | Clothing, footwear & school supplies |
| West Virginia | Fri, Jul 31 – Mon, Aug 3 | Clothing, footwear & school supplies |
| Arkansas | Sat, Aug 1 – Sun, Aug 2 | Expanded merchandise eligibility Expanded |
| Iowa | Fri, Aug 7 – Sat, Aug 8 | Clothing & footwear only |
| Missouri | Fri, Aug 7 – Sun, Aug 9 | Clothing & school supplies |
| Ohio | Fri, Aug 7 – Sun, Aug 9 | Clothing, footwear & school supplies |
| Oklahoma | Fri, Aug 7 – Sun, Aug 9 | Clothing & footwear only |
| South Carolina | Fri, Aug 7 – Sun, Aug 9 | Expanded merchandise eligibility Expanded |
| Texas | Fri, Aug 7 – Sun, Aug 9 | Clothing, footwear & school supplies |
| Virginia | Fri, Aug 7 – Sun, Aug 9 | Clothing, footwear & school supplies |
| Illinois | Fri, Aug 7 – Sun, Aug 16 | Reduced state sales tax rate Rate reduction |
| Massachusetts | Sat, Aug 8 – Sun, Aug 9 | Most merchandise qualifies All merchandise |
| Maryland | Sun, Aug 9 – Sat, Aug 15 | Clothing, footwear & backpacks |
| Connecticut | Sun, Aug 16 – Sat, Aug 22 | Clothing & footwear only |
Merchandise Classification Guide
Apparel
Pajamas, robes, sleepwear
Footwear
Slippers, flip flops
Backpacks & Lunch Bags
Backpacks, lunch bags
Handbags
Crossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
Luggage
Duffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
Travel Accessories
Packing cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
Eyewear
Reading glasses, sunglasses
Handbag Accessories
Wallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
Jewelry
Bracelets, earrings, necklaces
Tech Accessories
Tech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod & AirTag charms
Stationery
Pens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
Home
Throw blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
Mississippi
↑ Back to top| Holiday Dates | Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Mississippi |
| Clothing & Footwear | Less than $100 per item |
| School Supplies | Less than $100 per item |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
✕ Non-Qualifying
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
Alabama
↑ Back to topLocal participation varies
| Holiday Dates | Friday, July 17 – Sunday, July 19, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Alabama |
| Clothing | $156 or less per article |
| School Supplies | $78 or less per item |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
✕ Non-Qualifying
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
The state sales tax exemption applies statewide; however, participation by local cities and counties may vary. Local sales tax may still apply in some locations.
Florida
↑ Back to topExpanded merchandise eligibility
| Holiday Dates | Monday, July 20 – Thursday, August 20, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Florida |
| Clothing, Footwear & Bags | $100 or less per item |
| School Supplies | $50 or less per item |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
✕ Non-Qualifying
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
- Handbag AccessoriesBag charms
The exemption does not apply at the Vera Bradley store located at Disney Springs because sales within a theme park or entertainment complex are excluded.
New Mexico
↑ Back to top| Holiday Dates | Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within New Mexico |
| Clothing & Footwear | Less than $100 per item |
| School Supplies | General education classroom school supplies less than $30 per item |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
✕ Non-Qualifying
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
Certain items are specifically excluded by New Mexico law and remain taxable.
Tennessee
↑ Back to top| Holiday Dates | Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Tennessee |
| Clothing | $100 or less per item |
| School & School Art Supplies | $100 or less per item |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
✕ Non-Qualifying
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
West Virginia
↑ Back to top| Holiday Dates | Friday, July 31 – Monday, August 3, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within West Virginia |
| Clothing | $125 or less per item |
| School Supplies | $50 or less per item |
| School Instructional Materials | $20 or less per item |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
✕ Non-Qualifying
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
Book bags and lunch boxes qualify as school supplies.
Arkansas
↑ Back to topExpanded merchandise eligibility
| Holiday Dates | Saturday, August 1 – Sunday, August 2, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Arkansas |
| Clothing & Footwear | Less than $100 per item |
| Clothing Accessories | Less than $50 per item |
| School Supplies | Qualify (no purchase price limit) |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
✕ Non-Qualifying
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
Iowa
↑ Back to topClothing & footwear only
| Holiday Dates | Friday, August 7 – Saturday, August 8, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Iowa |
| Clothing & Footwear | Less than $100 per item |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
✕ Non-Qualifying
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
Missouri
↑ Back to top| Holiday Dates | Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Missouri |
| Clothing | Articles having a taxable value of $100 or less |
| School Supplies | Not to exceed $50 per purchase |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
✕ Non-Qualifying
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
Missouri excludes handbags and other clothing accessories from the definition of qualifying clothing.
Ohio
↑ Back to top| Holiday Dates | Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Ohio |
| Clothing | $75 or less per item |
| School Supplies | $20 or less per item |
| School Instructional Materials | $20 or less per item |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
✕ Non-Qualifying
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
Oklahoma
↑ Back to topClothing & footwear only
| Holiday Dates | Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Oklahoma |
| Clothing & Footwear | Less than $100 per item |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
✕ Non-Qualifying
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
South Carolina
↑ Back to topExpanded merchandise eligibility
| Holiday Dates | Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within South Carolina |
| Qualifying Merchandise | No purchase price limit |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels
✕ Non-Qualifying
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
Handbags qualify as clothing accessories. Wallets, eyewear, and jewelry remain taxable.
Texas
↑ Back to topClothing, footwear & school supplies
| Holiday Dates | Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Texas |
| Clothing & Footwear | Less than $100 per item |
| School Supplies | Less than $100 per qualifying item |
| Backpacks | Less than $100 per item |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks*
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
✕ Non-Qualifying
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
*Only qualifying backpacks priced under $100 are exempt. Handbags, purses, wallets, luggage, and other accessories remain taxable.
Virginia
↑ Back to top| Holiday Dates | Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Virginia |
| Clothing & Footwear | $100 or less per item |
| School Supplies | $20 or less per item |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
✕ Non-Qualifying
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
Illinois
↑ Back to topReduced state sales tax rate
| Holiday Dates | Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 16, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Illinois |
| Clothing & Footwear | Less than $125 per item |
| School Supplies | Not subject to the $125 threshold |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
✕ Non-Qualifying
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
Illinois reduces the state sales tax rate by 5% on qualifying merchandise. Applicable local sales taxes continue to apply, so customers will still pay sales tax during the holiday.
Massachusetts
↑ Back to topMost merchandise qualifies
| Holiday Dates | Saturday, August 8 – Sunday, August 9, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Massachusetts |
| Retail Merchandise | $2,500 or less per item |
All merchandise currently sold by Vera Bradley qualifies for the Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday. No additional merchandise classification is required.
Maryland
↑ Back to topClothing, footwear & backpacks
| Holiday Dates | Sunday, August 9 – Saturday, August 15, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Maryland |
| Clothing & Footwear | $100 or less per item |
| Backpacks & Bookbags | First $40 of the purchase price is exempt |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, bookbags, lunch bags
✕ Non-Qualifying
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
The first $40 of the purchase price of a backpack or bookbag qualifies for the exemption. Other clothing accessories remain taxable.
Connecticut
↑ Back to topClothing & footwear only
| Holiday Dates | Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2026 |
| Applies To | Retail stores and online orders shipped to addresses within Connecticut |
| Clothing & Footwear | Less than $300 per item |
✓ Qualifying
- ApparelPajamas, robes, sleepwear
- FootwearSlippers, flip flops
✕ Non-Qualifying
- Backpacks & Lunch BagsBackpacks, lunch bags
- HandbagsCrossbody, tote, shoulder, satchel, belt bag
- LuggageDuffels, weekenders, rolling luggage
- Travel AccessoriesPacking cubes, luggage tags, travel organizers
- EyewearReading glasses, sunglasses
- Handbag AccessoriesWallets, wristlets, card cases, bag charms
- JewelryBracelets, earrings, necklaces
- Tech AccessoriesTech sleeves, cord organizers, laptop inserts, phone cords, AirPod/AirTag charms
- StationeryPens, pencils, pencil pouches, notebooks
- HomeThrow blankets, beach towels, mugs, tumblers
