Virginia Tax-Free Weekend 2025: Back-to-School Shopping, Emergency Prep, and Energy-Efficient Upgrades Get a Boost

Virginia's annual sales tax holiday, "Virginia Tax-Free Weekend 2025," returns from August 1 to August 3. Eligible purchases include school supplies, clothing, energy-efficient home upgrades, hurricane and emergency/disaster preparedness products, and more. The sales tax rate in Virginia is normally 5.3%, with localities adding up to 7% in some areas. The holiday covers a wide range of items, but excludes accessories, protective sports gear, and high-end electronics.

Virginia's annual sales tax holiday, "Virginia Tax-Free Weekend 2025," is set to return from August 1 to August 3. This three-day event offers residents a chance to purchase a wide range of items without paying the usual state and local sales tax. The holiday is part of a broader trend across the United States, with over 17 states offering similar tax breaks this summer.

The Virginia sales tax holiday covers various items, including school supplies priced at $20 or less per item, clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item, and energy-efficient home upgrades. Energy Star and WaterSense products, gas-powered chainsaws, and portable generators are also tax-exempt during this period, provided they meet specific price guidelines [1].

Additionally, the holiday includes hurricane and emergency/disaster preparedness products, such as portable generators priced at $1,000 or less and gas-powered chainsaws at $350 or less. These items are generally tax-exempt if they cost $60 or less per item [2].

However, not all items qualify for the tax holiday. Accessories, protective sports gear, and high-end electronics are excluded. The Virginia Department of Taxation provides detailed lists and answers to FAQs to help shoppers and businesses navigate eligible and non-eligible items.

The Virginia sales tax rate is normally 5.3%, with localities adding up to 7% in some areas. This year, the Commonwealth is also offering one-time tax rebates of up to $400 for qualifying residents. To be eligible for the 2025 rebate, residents must file their 2024 Virginia income tax return by November 3, 2025. The actual amount will depend on the individual's state tax liability [1].

Virginia residents are encouraged to plan their purchases during the tax-free weekend to take advantage of these savings. For more details on eligible items and tax rates, visit the Virginia Department of Taxation's website at www.tax.virginia.gov.

References:
[1] https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/virginia-tax-free-weekend-what-to-know
[2] https://wtop.com/virginia/2025/07/virginia-sales-tax-holiday-begins-friday/