Bill would add school supplies to August’s tax-free weekend

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, has filed legislation to include school supplies and athletic equipment among the items exempted from sales taxes during Oklahoma’s tax-free weekend in August.

Senate Bill 231 would exempt common school supplies — such as backpacks, binders, pens, pencils, markers and notebooks — from state and local sales taxes during the state’s annual sales tax holiday, the first weekend in August. Recreational equipment, including cleats, gloves, mouth guards, shoulder pads and goggles, also would be tax-exempt under this bill.

“Expanding the items discounted during Oklahoma’s tax-free weekend is a common-sense way to give families additional tax relief while simultaneously boosting business at local retailers,” Thompson said. “Back-to-school shopping can add up, and many Oklahomans don’t realize that these classroom essentials aren’t already exempt from sales taxes during this key shopping weekend. This simple change will ease the financial burden on parents and ensure every child has the tools they need to excel in the classroom and on the field.”

Currently, only clothes and shoes that cost less than $100 are exempt from sales taxes during the tax-free weekend. The exemption does not include special clothing, footwear, or accessories primarily designed for athletic activities.