Most states consider clothing taxable, but a handful of states have legislated that clothing is either entirely non-taxable or only taxable when priced at above a certain threshold. Then some states, like Connecticut, take sales tax on clothing a step farther and even pose a luxury tax on clothing and footwear price at more than $1000. This can make knowing where and how much sales tax to charge as a clothing seller pretty confusing.
So thought we'd create a list of states with sales tax exemptions around clothing! We hope this helps you, as sellers, more easily comply with sales tax laws in your state.
Pro Tip: If you sell on Amazon FBA, be sure you've set up your product tax codes correctly to Amazon knows how to tax what you're selling correctly in each state.
In Which States is Clothing Taxable?
This is a list of states where clothing is generally taxable, with exceptions noted.
California – Sales tax exemptions allowed for some nonprofits and thrift stores providing clothing to the needy.
Idaho – Some exemptions regarding free clothing for charity apply.
Mississippi – Clothing, footwear, and accessories used in motion pictures may be exempt.
Ohio – Some protective clothing/gear may be tax exempt.
South Carolina – Some protective clothing/gear may be tax exempt.
Tennessee – Sales tax exemptions allowed for some nonprofits and thrift stores providing used clothing to the needy.
Virginia – Some protective clothing/gear may be tax exempt.
Which States Have Ruled Clothing Sales Tax Exempt?
These states do not consider clothing taxable, but many of them include exceptions, so find your state to find out more about the taxability of clothing.
Clothing is mostly tax exempt, but exemption is limited to the first $175 of an article of clothing. Certain clothing and footwear designed for athletic activity or protective use are taxable.
Click here for our detailed explanation of Massachusetts clothing taxability and how you can easily handle it in your online store with the TaxJar SmartCalcs sales tax API.
Clothing is tax exempt, but accessories, most protective equipment, sports and recreational clothing, and fur clothing are taxable.
Clothing is tax exempt, but fur clothing, clothing accessories or equipment, sport or recreational equipment, or protective equipment are taxable. Protective equipment is only exempt when purchased for the daily work of the user and worn as part of a work uniform or work clothing.
Clothing is tax exempt, but exemption is limited to clothing and footwear costing less than $110 per item or pair. Clothing and footwear costing $110 or more per item or pair are taxable. Click here for our detailed explanation of New York clothing taxability and how you can easily handle it in your online store with the TaxJar SmartCalcs sales tax API!
Clothing is tax exempt, but accessories, fur clothing, ornamental and formal clothing, and sports-related clothing are taxable.
Clothing is tax exempt, but clothing accessories or equipment, protective equipment, and sports clothing/equipment are taxable.
Do you sell clothing? Do you have questions about charging sales tax on clothing? Feel free to start the conversation in the comments!
Interesting, you might be able to profit by buying clothes in certain states with less tax and reselling online.
If I will sell my clothing product online to all US, and my company is currently registered in NJ only, do I need to register in all other 49 states, or is there a way I can charge the customer and then pay the sales tax accordingly to each state said customer resides without having to register my company in other states? Is there something like a national registration? I'm a very small business and this part is puzzling me, if I am to register and fill taxes on 50 states that alone will cost me more than my revenue!