Oklahoma's annual tax free weekend begins soon: What to know

This year's tax-free weekend in Oklahoma kicks off in the first week of August, offering parents a great opportunity to stock up on back-to-school supplies.

With inflation eroding purchasing power year by year, this event provides some relief. Since 2007, state legislators have mandated that retailers waive sales tax for one weekend per year, helping families save on essential items.

Also, if you're not located in Oklahoma or plan to travel soon, there are still many sales tax holidays across the nation where shoppers can save a few extra dollars.

When is tax-free weekend in Oklahoma?

The tax-free weekend starts at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug.2, and concludes at 11:59 p.m. Sunday night. The state sales tax, which is set at 4.5%, will be entirely waived during this time. County and municipal taxes will also be waived, providing a discount for shoppers.

What items apply during tax-free weekend?

Certain items will be free of sales tax, but there are some exceptions.

Any clothing or footwear less than $100 is included, but sportswear may not be. Any accessories or clothing designed for "athletic activity or protective use" is not included in the discount, so tax will still be applied on these items.

Are coupons allowed?

Yes. Coupons are allowed during the holiday, and can even be used to bring the price of an item down under the $100 limit. Here's an example.

A pair of shoes costs $110. Coupons are applied to bring the shoes down under $100, therefore, they become tax free. However, manufacturer's coupons will not work to bring an item down under the $100 tax limit because they require the store to seek reimbursement, so it is worth checking to see what kind of coupons you have.

Can I shop tax-free online?

Online purchases are included in the tax-free weekend, so you can shop from the comfort of your home while still qualifying for the savings.

As long as the items are purchased and paid for within the designated tax-free period, they are included. This goes for all purchases submitted before Aug 5.

What about shopping on layaway?

To qualify for the tax exemption, the last payment must be made within the tax-free weekend. This allows shoppers to pay something off more gradually while still taking advantage of tax-free savings.

Will the discount still apply to rain check items?

Rain check items will not qualify for the tax-free weekend. As popular items may run out quickly with many shoppers taking advantage of the holiday, it may be a good idea to plan ahead and go in with a list. Shopping early may also help ensure that you find items before they run out. Even with the tax savings, it's still a good idea to compare prices at different stores to ensure you're getting the best deal.