Tax-free weekend shopping starts in many states today

Many people shop online to avoid paying taxes. But sometimes you just wish you could go to the store and buy what you need without having to pay taxes. For some shoppers this may be your lucky weekend.

If you need to buy some back to school items, and you live in a state that is having a tax free weekend, it's time to go shopping.

Not all states have a tax-free weekend, and not all states have them on the same dates.

Tax-free items include: certain clothing, footwear, school supplies, school instructional materials, sports and recreation equipment, sports and recreation equipment, computers and computer supplies.

Other items include baby receiving blankets, diapers (children and adults, including disposables, wedding apparel, formal wear, bathing suits, costumes, ballet and tap shoes, wetsuits, cleated or spiked athletic shoes, gloves; baseball, bowling, boxing, hockey, golf, and other sports, and so much more.

About.com has a story listing each state with tips and links. You can also look up your state revenue department for more information.

Alabama's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 7-9, 2009
Connecticut's Tax Free Week: Aug. 15-22, 2009
Iowa's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 7-8, 2009
Louisiana's 2009 Sales Tax Holiday: August 7-8, 2009
Mississippi's Tax Free Weekend: Jul 31-Aug. 1, 2009
Missouri's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 7-9, 2009
New Mexico's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 7-9, 2009
North Carolina's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 7-9, 2009
Oklahoma's Tax Free Weekend: August 7-9, 2009
South Carolina's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 7-9, 2009
Tennessee's Tax Free Weekend:Aug. 7-9, 2009
Texas' Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 21-23, 2009
Vermont's Tax-Free Shopping Day: August 22, 2009
Virginia's Tax Free Shopping Schedule: Aug. 7-9, 2009

There were at least three states, Florida, Maryland and Washington, D.C., that have repealed their Sales Tax Holiday 2009 to save money but plan to resume it in 2010.