It's that time of year when everyone is buzzing about 'tax-free weekends,' but are you really getting the best deal? Don't limit yourself to small savings—get excited about consistently bigger deals! While skipping the 6-8% sales tax is nice, the curated offers and strategies you'll find here can save you 40%, 50%, or even more, any day of the week.
This guide will show you why a good sale always beats a tax holiday, and where to find those massive savings right now. (All info is current as of Wednesday, August 6, 2025).
💵 The Math: Why a 50% Off Deal Crushes a 7% Tax Savings
Let's break it down with a simple example. Imagine you have a $100 back-to-school shopping cart.
- During a tax-free weekend (at 7% tax), you save: $7.
- Using a 50% off flash sale we feature from a store like Old Navy, you save: $50.
The difference is staggering. A great sale will always save you significantly more than skipping the sales tax. The key is knowing where to find these sales.
🎯 Brands Offering Bigger-Than-Tax-Free Savings Right Now
You don't need to wait for a specific weekend. Here are the types of deals happening now that offer massive savings far beyond any tax-free offer:
- Carter's: Instead of saving 7%, get a deal like 'Buy 1, Get 2 Free' on denim, which is equivalent to a massive 66% discount.
- Target: Their GiftCard deals provide a much bigger return. Getting a $20 Target GiftCard back on a $100 purchase is a 20% value back in your pocket.
- JCPenney: Forget a small tax discount when their Semi-Annual sales offer up to 70% off, and you can often stack an extra 20% off coupon on top.
- 32 Degrees: Why save 7% when you can shop their clearance event with items starting at just $0.99?
- Crocs: A tax-free weekend can't beat getting an extra 25% off items that are already up to 50% off during their Summer Sale.
- DSW: Why save 7% on tax when you can get a flat 25% off your entire purchase with their flash sale?
- Woot!: Forget tax savings when you can find gadgets and essentials for under $5 in their 'Bargain Bin' sale.
- CVS & Walgreens: Their real value comes from 'stacking' deals—combining sales, digital coupons, and rewards to get items for 50-75% off, far better than any tax holiday.
'I used to plan my shopping around the tax-free weekend, but last year I saved over 60% on my kids' school jeans at Carter's with their 'Buy 1, Get 2 Free' deal. A great sale always beats a small tax discount!'
- OFree.net Editor
💡 The Pro Strategy: 'Stacking' is Your Secret Weapon
The real secret to saving big is 'stacking' multiple offers, which is something a tax-free holiday doesn't allow. At many stores we feature, you can combine layers of savings:
- The Sale Price: An item is already on sale (e.g., BOGO 50% Off).
- A Coupon Code: You apply an extra percentage-off coupon at checkout.
- Store Rewards: You earn cashback or points (like ExtraBucks) on the final purchase price.
This simple strategy will quickly become your new favorite way to shop.
🎯 The Takeaway: Don't Hesitate!
Don't hesitate—the hottest deals offer much bigger savings than any tax-free weekend. By following the sales and strategies we post here every day, you can get much better, more consistent discounts on the things your family needs. The biggest savings are happening right now!
➡ Ready to start saving more than just the tax? Explore all of our active deals here.
P.S. For more expert tips on how to master sales and coupons, don't forget to visit our Savings Tips and Hacks blog! You can also find great ways to earn extra cash for your shopping fund.