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Summer is almost over. That means back-to-school sales tax holidays.

This August, 17 states are trying to encourage shoppers by exempting certain products from state and in some cases local sales taxes. Mississippi kicked off tax holiday season last weekend. Eleven more states hold their tax-free shopping days this coming weekend. Five more state events are later this month.

Clothing, shoes and school supplies are the most frequently exempted items. Some locations, however, give purchasers a tax break on computers.

State tax officials are specific about what is tax-free (or not) and what spending limits apply. Be sure to check with your state's tax department before heading to the mall.

Below is an alphabetical list of the states holding sales tax holidays this month, the items that qualify for tax-free treatment and the price thresholds.

Alabama, Aug. 5-7: Clothing priced at $100 or less; computers, computer software and school computer supplies costing $750 or less; school supplies and school art supplies priced at $50 or less; and books sold for $30 or less.

Arkansas, Aug. 6-7: Clothing and footwear, less than $100; clothing accessories, less than $50; school supplies and school art supplies, no price threshold.

Connecticut, Aug. 21-27: Clothing and footwear, less than $300.

Florida, Aug. 12-14: Clothing, $75 or less; school supplies, $15 or less.

Iowa, Aug. 5-6: Clothing and footwear, less than $100.

Louisiana, Aug. 5-6: Most items costing $2,500 or less.

Maryland, Aug. 14-20: Clothing and footwear, $100 or less.

Massachusetts, Aug. 13-14: Most items costing less than $2,500.

Missouri, Aug. 5-7: Clothing, $100 or less; school supplies, $50 or less; computer software, $350 or less; computers and peripheral devices, $3,500 or less.

New Mexico, Aug. 5-7: Clothing and footwear, less than $100; desktop, laptop or notebook computers, less than $1,000; computer hardware, less than $500; school supplies, less than $15.

North Carolina, Aug. 5-7: Clothing and footwear, $100 or less; school supplies, $100 or less; sports and recreation equipment, $50 or less; computers, $3,500 or less; computer supplies, $250 or less; reference books, textbooks and workbooks, $300 or less.

Oklahoma, Aug. 5-7: Clothing and footwear, less than $100

South Carolina, Aug. 5-7: Clothing and footwear, school supplies, books, book bags, lunchboxes, computers, printers, software and dorm-related expenses such as towels, comforters, linens and pillows; no price limits.

Tennessee, Aug. 5-7: Clothing and footwear, $100 or less; school supplies, $100 or less; computers, $1,500 or less

Texas, Aug. 19-21; Clothing and footwear, less than $100; school supplies, book bags and lunchboxes, less than $100

Virginia, Aug. 5-7: Clothing and footwear, $100 or less; school supplies $20 or less

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