Get Prepared! Take Advantage of Virginia's Tax Free Holiday - August 1-3

As an experienced notary public based in Richmond, VA, I work with families year-round who are navigating big life changes—from estate planning and school documents to travel forms and notarized affidavits.

One of the best ways families can stay prepared during back-to-school season is by using Virginia’s annual Sales Tax Holiday to stock up on essentials for education and emergency preparedness—without paying sales tax.

This year, Virginia’s tax-free weekend runs from 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 1 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 3, 2025. It’s the perfect time to save on supplies that support your child’s learning and your family’s safety—especially as the weather and school year ramp up.

🔗 See what qualifies for the Virginia Sales Tax Holiday

The Virginia Department of Taxation allows shoppers to skip sales tax on:

• School supplies priced at $20 or less per item

• Clothing and footwear up to $100 per item

• Emergency preparedness items like flashlights, first aid kits, weather radios, batteries, and water containers priced up to $60, and portable generators priced up to $1,000.

  
  

Whether you shop in-store or online through Amazon or another retailer, these items are all eligible as long as they meet Virginia’s price and product guidelines.

If you can't make it to the store, check out these items I recommend from Amazon.

1. Sharpie Gel Pens in multiple colors with a white exterior: I love these pens because they're easy for teens to find in their backpacks and they provide the versatility needed for multiple subjects and notetaking.

   
   

2. The In-Case-of-Emergency Workbook: An Essential Life Organizer for You and Yours : This paperback workbook is one of my favorites for emergency preparedness. Get your life organizer during the tax free holiday and be READY when emergencies happen.

   
   

3. Jackory Solar Generator v2 240 with 40w solar panels: I have used the 300w version of this generator and I recently purchased the v2 240 version to help me get through brief power outages. Jackory frequently holds sales on their generators and this one is very convenient to take with you. Virginia weather - Am I right? Take the opportunity to save on your portable generator. I love this one because it's easy to carry and it can quickly charge your phone.

   
   

4. Student Planner: Boba Tea Fox Academic Calendar Agenda: The best part of back to school shopping is getting a cute planner. I love this Fox drinking boba tea! There's plenty of space for different subjects and space to take notes.

   
   

5. Adidas Backpack with a laptop sleeve: We love a backpack for back to school that can hold up to the wear of a middle or high school student! This backpack comes in lots of fun colors and is likely to last more than one school year.

   
   

6. Mead Composition Notebooks, 6 Pack, College Ruled Paper Multi-Color Notebooks: Composition notebooks are a big deal this year! I found this six pack for a middle or high schooler with a full schedule.