Iowa's sales tax-free weekend is around the corner. When is it?

Back-to-school shopping is just around the corner, which means so is Iowa's sales tax-free weekend.

The weekend will offer Iowans a chance to shop without the state's 6% sales tax and the 1% local option sales tax in many cities. Any savings can help with making the most out of your budget.

Every state's tax-free weekend is a different time of the year. So when is Iowa sales tax-free weekend?

When is Iowa's tax-free weekend 2024?

Iowa's tax-free weekend always begins the first Friday in August. In 2024, the holiday will start at midnight Friday, Aug. 2 and run through Saturday, Aug. 3. Businesses opened on these days are required to participate. The tax-free weekend does not include Sunday.

What items are tax-exempted?

There are more than 100 different items on the tax-exempted list, according to the Iowa Department of Revenue. They range from formal clothing, to wedding apparel to adult diapers. Items that could still be taxed include backpacks, some sporting supplies and umbrellas.

For a full list of Iowa's tax-free items for the holiday go to the Iowa Department of Revenue's website. Exemptions do not apply to the prices of an item selling for over $100.

Do coupons and sales affect the tax holiday?

• Buy one, get one free: If an item costs more than $100, the sales tax will apply — even if you're getting a second item of the same value for free.
• Buy one, get one half off: If the first item costs $110 and you can get a second for half off ($55), then sales tax will be charged on the first item, but not the second.
• Manufacturer's coupon: If an item costs $110 and the customer presents a manufacturer's coupon that lowers the price to $90, sales tax will still be applied. A manufacturer's coupon does not change the sale price of an item.
• Store coupon or discount: If a store coupon or discount brings the price of an item under $100, it will be exempt from sales tax.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.