Oklahoma's tax-free weekend: Here's what you need to know

Ainsley Martinez, Oklahoman
·3 min read
Penn Square Mall will be a popular shopping destination during Oklahoma's tax-free weekend.
Penn Square Mall will be a popular shopping destination during Oklahoma's tax-free weekend.

This back-to-school season, many parents want to buy their child's fall essentials without breaking the bank. With U.S inflation reaching its highest peak since 1981, some families might find they have less to spend this year on items such as school supplies and clothing.

Luckily, since 2007, Oklahoma law requires businesses to waive the sales tax on select items during the state's tax-free weekend.

When is Oklahoma's tax-free weekend?

Oklahoma's tax-free weekend begins Friday, Aug. 5, and ends at midnight Sunday, Aug. 7. Online vendors are required to waive the sales tax during this time, but the transaction must be accepted before Aug. 8.

More:One grocery store chain in Oklahoma City area is going to stop taking credit card payments

What items are exempt from sales tax?

Clothing and footwear under $100 are included in tax-free weekend, but accessories and specialized clothing, such as athletic gear, are not eligible. For more information, go to https://oklahoma.gov/tax/helpcenter/businesses.html.

OKC Outlets in west Oklahoma City will be one of many places where shoppers can take advantage of tax-free weekend.
OKC Outlets in west Oklahoma City will be one of many places where shoppers can take advantage of tax-free weekend.

OKC Outlets plan for busy weekend

OKC Outlets will extend its hours during tax-free weekend, staying open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday. General Manager Jeannette Smith said tax-free weekend is the second-busiest day of the year, following Black Friday.

"We start planning about a month out from an operational standpoint because we do have so many people come through here and shop," Smith said.

To accommodate the crowd, the outdoor outlet mall will provide free water to customers during tax-free weekend.

Smith said additional staff and off-duty police officers will be at the mall to make sure the weekend runs smoothly.

With over 90 stores, OKC Outlet will have various back-to-school deals.

"We'll have a ton of sales," she said. "We certainly encourage everybody to check our website and to check their favorite store for any additional discounts are a special promotion."

For more information, go to https://www.okcoutlets.com/.

Trending items eligible for tax-free weekend

When do schools in the Oklahoma City area begin?

  • Oklahoma Christian Academy: Aug. 4

  • Mid-Del Public Schools: Aug. 10

  • Oklahoma City Public Schools: Aug. 11

  • Edmond Public Schools: Aug. 11

  • Bishop McGuinness High School: Aug. 11

  • Yukon Public Schools: Aug. 11

  • Shawnee Public Schools: Aug. 11

  • Mount St. Mary's Catholic High School: Aug. 11

  • Piedmont Public Schools: Aug. 11

  • Moore Public Schools: Aug. 11

  • Millwood Public Schools: Aug. 16

  • Crooked Oak Public Schools: Aug. 17

  • Heritage Hall: Aug. 17

  • Bethany Public Schools: Aug. 18

  • Mustang Public Schools: Aug. 18

  • Guthrie Public Schools: Aug. 18

  • Norman Public Schools: Aug. 19

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What to know about Oklahoma's tax-free shopping weekend