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For the past 18 years, the third Friday in July has marked Alabama’s Back to School sales tax holiday weekend. Greenville’s city council passed resolution 2017-19 on June 12, 2017, to participate in the tax free weekend each year thereafter and this year the holiday weekend will begin at 12:01 a.m. on July 21, and end at midnight the following Sunday.

W.O. Parmer teacher Erica Presley said tax free weekend is a time that many look forward to, especially since things are so expensive these days. 

“We’re all trying to find ways to save money,” Presley said. “During tax free weekend, I plan to buy school uniforms for my son, and a few more supplies for my classroom.”

As parents, teachers, and students prepare to head back to school, local retailers are gearing up for an influx of shoppers. They are required to participate, according to the Back-to-school holiday rule 810-6-3-.65,  and may not charge tax on items that are legally tax exempt during the designated weekend. Frank Miles, Communications and Public Relations Manager with the Alabama State Department of Revenue, encourages shoppers to visit revenue.alabama.gov, for a list of eligible and non eligible items, that will be free of state and local tax.

Greenville High School history teacher Tina Guy said she will shop for all the basics for her classroom during the holiday weekend. She said as her son starts his college career at Alabama State University this year, school shopping will be a little different. 

“I don’t have to buy uniforms this year, but it’s good to know that diapers are on the list of eligible items,” she said. “I can normally get everything I need for my students at Wal-Mart. We always need pencils, pens, paper, and cleaning supplies.” 

Butler County school’s supply lists are now available at www.butlerco.k12.al.us.