Virginia's Tax-Free Weekend in 2025 Kicks Off August 1-3: Essential Info
The Commonwealth of Virginia is gearing up for its annual sales tax holiday, which returns for a three-day run from August 1 to August 3, 2025. This event offers a chance for Virginians to save on back-to-school shopping and other essentials, including big-ticket items such as Energy StarTM and WaterSenseTM products, gas-powered chainsaws, and portable generators [1][2].
During the tax-free weekend, items priced at $20 or less per school supply, $100 or less per clothing and footwear item, and up to certain price limits for Energy StarTM and WaterSenseTM products, gas-powered chainsaws, and portable generators will be exempt from the state's sales tax [3].
However, it's important to note that certain items are excluded from the tax holiday. Accessories, protective sports gear, and high-end electronics are not included, along with sporting equipment, athletic footwear, and clothing accessories [4]. Computers are also excluded from the school supplies exemption.
To help shoppers and businesses navigate the sales tax holiday and rebate program, the Virginia Department of Taxation provides detailed lists and answers to FAQs [5].
This year, the state is offering one-time tax rebates of up to $400 to qualifying residents. Single filers can expect up to $200, while married couples filing jointly can receive up to $400 [6]. Those who file early, by July 1, could begin seeing rebates as soon as late July. The majority of payments are expected to be distributed by mid-October [7].
To be eligible for the 2025 rebate, you must file your 2024 Virginia income tax return by November 3, 2025. The actual rebate amount will depend on how much you owe in state taxes [8].
In addition to the sales tax holiday and rebate program, hurricane and emergency/disaster preparedness products are also tax-exempt during the Virginia tax-free weekend, generally costing $60 or less per item [1].
It's worth mentioning that the Virginia sales tax rate is normally 5.3%, with localities adding up to 1.7%, bringing the combined sales tax rate to 7% in some areas [9].
Over 17 states are offering sales tax holidays this summer, offering a great opportunity for residents across the nation to save on their back-to-school and essential purchases. So, mark your calendars for August 1 to August 3, 2025, and take advantage of the savings during Virginia's sales tax holiday!
[1] Virginia Department of Taxation [2] Virginia Sales Tax Holiday [3] Virginia Sales Tax Holiday FAQs [4] Exclusions for Virginia Sales Tax Holiday [5] Virginia Tax Rebate Program [6] Virginia Tax Rebate Program FAQs [7] Virginia Tax Rebate Program Timeline [8] Virginia Tax Rebate Program Eligibility [9] Virginia Sales Tax Rates
While Virginia residents enjoy the annual sales tax holiday from August 1 to August 3, 2025, they can save on not only back-to-school items but also personal-finance related items such as Energy StarTM and WaterSenseTM products, which are tax-exempt during this period. However, it's crucial to remember that certain items, like computers and high-end electronics, are excluded from the tax holiday.
