NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
The back-to-school sales tax holiday is now underway across Tennessee.
Through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 5, the state has suspended the collection of the its nearly 10% sales tax on school supplies, clothing under $100 and computers under $1,500.
Shoppers got an early start Friday at Walmart in west Nashville.
"There's no one in here, and it just worked out," said Melanie Turner, a mother of two. "I was [working] overnights, and got in before the big rush."
Walmart may have an advantage over the competition as most stores are open 24 hours a day.
Tennessee sales tax holidays started in August of 2006. Since then, consumers across the state have saved an estimated $8 to $10 million per year.
This weekend's tax holiday is the first tax-free weekend to fall after the first day of school for many in Middle Tennessee.
Most parents didn't seem worried.
"The list came out and the teachers are cool with it not coming back until Monday if needed," Turner said.
"We didn't get our supply list until Wednesday. Of course, they didn't go yesterday so you know, they'll have it for today," added Crystal Bradford, a mother of three.
Bradford also got up early, without the kids, to knock out her kids' back-to-school list at Walmart.
"I have three children to buy for, so I'm up early, so I can avoid everyone else that's going to be here in the madness of tax free weekend," she said.
No tax for the next three days means Bradford and other shoppers can get everything they need cheaper.
School supplies and clothing, under $100 per item, are tax free as well as computers, including laptops and tablets, up to $1,500.
Parts, accessories, storage media and software sold separately are not included.
It's a savings many feel is worth seeing.
"This is awesome," Bradford said. "When you look at the prices typically with the taxes, it makes a big difference, especially buying for three children."
Tennessee's sales tax holiday continues through 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
For a complete list of tax free items, click here.
