The state of Mississippi will hold the annual tax-free holiday from midnight on July 31 until midnight on Aug. 1. During the holiday, tax will not be due on sales of clothing, footwear or school supplies.

Tax is not due on the purchase any of these items as long as the cost of the item is less than $100.

Many local businesses are anticipating the holiday bringing in more customers.

Adam Bennett, one of the owners of April’s of Picayune, said it’s usually the store’s best weekend during the back-to-school season.

“It just drives a lot of customers,” Bennett said. “We have so many customers that just wait to come in until that weekend just to get the seven percent off.”

Katelyn Stuart of Uniforms By Bales said the store will be having a sale for the tax-free holiday on top of the seven percent off customers will already receive on some purchases.

Stuart said the store usually sees a good turnout for the tax-free holidays.

“I think it draws a lot of people into the store,” Stuart said.

Cara Davis of Do Re Mii Children’s Resell Boutique said tax-free holidays can be beneficial for small businesses.

“It kinda helps to get your name out there because people are gonna be shopping that weekend,” Davis said.

Shoppers should note that accessories such as belt buckles, hair clips and jewelry, do not qualify as clothing for the tax-free holiday and will still be subject to sales tax.

The legislation also specifies that sports clothing such as football helmets, baseball pants and cleats do not qualify for the tax-free holiday.