Nothing strikes fear into a child's heart like advertisements for back-to-school sales in midsummer. But it's not always heartwarming for parents, whose wallets can get hit hard.

Families with children plan to spend an average of $684.79 each on back-to-school shopping, according to a National Retail Federation survey. Some states give parents a break with summer sales tax holidays on school supplies, clothes and computers.

Here's when and where you can get your school shopping done tax-free.

Arkansas

When: Aug. 4 through 5 What's exempt from sales tax: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item); clothing accessories and equipment (up to $50 per item), school supplies and instructional materials.

Connecticut

When: Aug. 19 through 25 What's exempt: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item).

Florida

When: Aug. 3 through 5 What's exempt: School supplies (up to $15 per item); clothing, footwear and accessories (up to $60 per item).

Iowa

When: Aug. 3 through 4 What's exempt: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item).

Maryland

When: Aug. 12 through 18 What's exempt: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item); backpacks (up to $40 per item).

Missouri

When: Aug. 3 through 5 What's exempt: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item); school supplies (up to $50 per item); computer software (up to $350 per item); personal computers and peripheral devices (up to $1,500 per item); graphic calculators (up to $150 per item).

New Mexico

When: Aug. 3 through 5 **What's exempt: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item); personal computers (up to $1,000 per item); computer hardware (up to $500 per item); school supplies (up to $30 per item).

Ohio

When: Aug. 3 through 5 What's exempt: Clothing and footwear (up to $75 per item); school supplies and instructional materials (up to $20 per item).

Oklahoma

When: Aug. 3 through 5 What's exempt: Clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item).

South Carolina

When: Aug. 3 through 5 What's exempt: Clothing, footwear, school supplies, personal computers and peripheral devices, computer software and bedding. There are no price limits.

Texas

When: Aug. 10 through 12 What's exempt: Clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (up to $100 per item).

Virginia

When: Aug. 3 through 5 What's exempt: School supplies (up to $20 per item); clothing and footwear (up to $100 per item); portable generators (up to $1,000 per item); gas-powered chainsaws (up to $350 per item); chainsaw accessories (up to $60 per item); Energy Star or WaterSense (up to $2,500 per item).

Wisconsin

When: Aug. 1 through 5 What's exempt: Clothing, footwear and school supplies (up to $75 per item); personal computers (up to $750 per item); computer peripherals (up to $250 per item).

Looking to cut this season's expenses? Take advantage of these back-to-school freebies for families and teachers.

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