Alabama’s annual back-to-school sales tax holiday will return this weekend, beginning Friday, July 17, and continuing through Sunday, July 19.

The Better Business Bureau of Central and South Alabama is encouraging residents to take advantage of the holiday while reviewing the official list of qualifying items before shopping.

“Tax-free weekend is a great chance for families to stretch their back-to-school dollars, but the savings only work in your favor if you shop with a plan,” Better Business Bureau of Central and South Alabama Vice President Evey Owen said. “Know the exempted items before you get to the register, set a budget, and don’t let a ‘sale’ sign talk you into a risky purchase.”

The organization encouraged shoppers to review the official list of eligible items, set a budget to avoid overspending, prioritize expensive and high-demand purchases, support local small businesses and exercise caution when shopping online.

Four categories of back-to-school items will be exempt from Alabama’s 4 percent state sales tax during the holiday. They include clothing priced at $156 or less per item, school supplies priced at $78 or less per item, books priced at $47 or less and computers and computer software purchases priced at $1,173 or less.

Most Alabama cities and counties will also waive their local sales taxes during the holiday. Online orders placed during the holiday period will qualify for the exemption.

The Alabama Department of Revenue has published a full list of participating cities and counties.

Governor Kay Ivey and Revenue Commissioner Mary Martin Mitchell said the tax holiday would help families prepare students for the upcoming school year.

“Quality education is essential to continuing the historic momentum that Alabama is experiencing,” Ivey said. “Successful students need to be properly equipped for the classroom, and this tax-free weekend makes school supplies more accessible to families across our state. An investment in our students is an investment in the future of Alabama.”

“We’re excited for this tax-free opportunity allowing Alabama families to save their hard-earned money while helping students get what they need for school,” Martin Mitchell said. “ALDOR encourages everyone in Alabama to make the most of this tax-free holiday, and we look forward to the great things students will accomplish this school year.”