Iowa Tax Free Weekend 2018: Dates, Times & What Qualifies

This weekend marks Iowa’s tax free weekend, where residents enjoy tax savings on specific items. Tax Free Weekend began Friday, August 3 at 12:01 a.m. and will last only through Saturday, August 4 at 11:59 p.m. Unlike most other states, Iowa’s tax-free weekend only lasts two days, not three. Here are more details about what does and does not qualify in Iowa this weekend. Find a complete list, visit here.

Items that Qualify for Tax-Free Status in Iowa

In Iowa, clothing and footwear up to $100 per item qualify for tax free status. Here are examples of clothing and accessory items that qualify. Find a complete list, visit here.

• Aerobic clothing
• Antique clothing
• Aprons (household)
• Athletic supporters
• Baby clothes, diapers, bibs, receiving blankets
• Bathing suits, coverups, swim trunks
• Belts
• Boots (for general use)
• Chef’s uniforms
• Clothing in general: shirts, blouses, pants, skirts, coveralls, dresses, jeans, shorts, etc.
• Coats, jackets
• Costumes
• Formal wear (sold, not rented)
• Gloves (general use, not sports gloves)
• Golf clothing (caps, dresses, shirts, skirts, pants)
• Graduation caps and gowns
• Gym suits and uniforms
• Hats, caps, ear muffs
• Insoles
• Jackets
• Jogging apparel
• Lab coats
• Legwarmers, leotards, tights
• Lingerie: bras, garter belts, corsets, hosiery, underwear etc.
• Martial arts attire
• Neckwear: ties, bow ties, scarves
• Overshoes and rubber shoes
• Pajamas
• Prom dresses
• Raincoats, rain hats, ponchos
• Religious clothing: Choir & altar clothing, clerical vestments, etc.
• Robes
• Rubber pants
• Shoes, boots (when general purpose), sandals, shoe laces
• Socks (including athletic socks)
• Tuxedos (not rented)
• Uniforms for work and school
• Wedding apparel

Items that Do NOT Qualify for Tax-Free Status in Iowa

In Iowa, clothing that costs more than $100 per item does NOT qualify for tax free status. Find a complete list, visit here.

Here are examples of clothing and accessories that do not qualify for tax free status:

• Backpacks, book bags, checkbook covers, duffel bags, fanny packs
• Cosmetics and cosmetic bags
• Diaper bags
• Fabric
• Watches and watchbands
• Jewelry
• Umbrellas
• Handkerchiefs
• Sporting equipment, skis, swim fins
• Roller blades or skates
• Footwear designed for athletic activity or protective use, not everyday use
• Rentals of eligible items
• Repairs and alterations
• Safety clothing

Discounts and coupons can be used to help an item fit in the tax-free status, if the discount lowers its price enough to qualify. But a gift certificate can’t be used to do the same thing.