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Could back-to-school supplies in Pennsylvania be tax exempt?

PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Two Pennsylvania legislators are trying to lift some of the burden that parents and guardians feel when back-to-school shopping comes around. Representatives Ann Flood (R-Northampton County) and Robert Freeman (D-Northampton County) are hoping to ease the financial burden on Pennsylvanians' pockets when it comes to their children's education. According to the United States Senate Federal Credit Union, in 2024, it was estimated that parents would spend over $500 per child on school supplies. Average items and expenses: Clothing: $169 Shoes: $113 Electronics & technology: $206 School supplies (i.e., notebooks, folders, glue, pencils, markers, scissors): $94 However, families who may be sending a child off to college are estimated to spend over $1,000, as the jump to further education may come with a larger price tag. Pennsylvania bill looks to prohibit use of AI in political campaigns In a memo to other lawmakers, they announced plans to create an annual back-to-school sales tax holiday. The legislation would create a three-week holiday during which various school supplies can be bought tax-free. They have suggested that this holiday take place for the first three weeks of August. They went on to say that the bill would cover computer equipment under $1,500, instructional material and other school supplies under $50. Pennsylvania would not be the first to have a tax-exempt period, as several other states have already passed pieces of legislation. The Federation of Tax Administrators notes that states like Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee and West Virginia are among the states that have different legislation aimed at reducing back-to-school costs. Let's take a look at what these states currently offer: Alabama Clothing $100 Computer $750 or under School supplies $50 Books $30 or less Arkansas Back to school clothing/footwear $100 or less Clothing accessories $50 or less School supplies, including art supplies Instructional material Electronic devices Tennessee (Began in 2006) Clothing School supplies Computers West Virginia (Began in 2021) Clothing $125 or less Computers $500 or less School instruction material $20 or less School supplies $50 or less Sports equipment $150 or less Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.