Apple deals and sales tax holidays mean significant savings for back to school shoppers

By Christine McKee

Several states are running sales tax holidays this weekend, offering shoppers significant savings on back to school supplies, including Apple products. Here's where to get the most bang for your buck with these top deals on Apple Watches, Macs, iPads and even AirPods.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links.

Starting Aug. 2, several states will be offering a sales tax break on eligible items for back to school, and we're rounding up a list of the best Apple discounts to snap up during the sales tax holiday. Please note, each state has different requirements for which items qualify, so it's best to check your local laws for specific details.

States with sales tax holidays

StateSales tax holiday dates
FloridaAug. 2-6
MassachusettsAug. 17-18
MissouriAug. 2-4
New MexicoAug. 2-4
South CarolinaAug. 2-4
VirginiaAug. 2-4

Although the number of states is limited, shoppers in additional states can also also save on tax with B&H's Payboo Card. Best for those looking to pay off the balance in full each month, Payboo cardholders can instantly receive a credit for the amount of sales tax collected at B&H during checkout, putting the savings back in your wallet immediately.

Here are some of the best Apple deals available for back to school shopping (many of which require no student ID or .edu email address).

Best AirPods deals

Apple AirPods deals are in effect now

Apple's hot accessory is now $15 to $20 off instantly at Amazon.

AirPods on sale

iPad deals

Shoppers can snap up many iPad Pro deals leading up to back to school

Back to school shoppers can also snap up iPads for as low as $249 or save up to $250 on Apple's latest iPad Pro.

9.7-inch iPad deals

2019 iPad Air markdownsCloseout iPad Pro dealsApple Pencil (first-gen) discountBest iPad Pro dealsApple Pencil 2 for newest iPad Pros

Best Mac deals

Macs start at just $899 for a limited time

Although the sales tax holiday runs through the entire weekend for many, Aug. 2 is your last chance to pick up a 2018 MacBook Air in your choice of finish for just $899. Thin and light for students traveling to and from class, this budget-friendly notebook is a great way to enter the Mac ecosystem.

Need a more robust MacBook Pro or even an iMac all-in-one desktop? Shoppers can save hundreds on nearly every config in our Apple Price Guide thanks to instant and exclusive coupon savings.

Final call for $899 MacBook Airs

13" MacBook Pros with function keys2019 13" MacBook Pro savings2019 15" MacBook Pro markdownsLowest prices on closeout MacBook ProsMac mini for just $499iMac clearance deals

Apple Watches still $199

Apple Watch deals abound in August

Apple Watch deals on Series 3 and Series 4 devices are still available with prices as low as $199. Pefect for getting to class on time and tracking fitness goals, there are a variety of styles on sale, with even more deals available AppleInsider Apple Watch Price Guide. Nike is also running a limited time deal knocking $30 off Apple Watch Nike+ models with promo code PLAY30.

$30 off Nike+ Apple Watch Series 4

Apple Watch Series 3 from $199Apple Watch Series 4 deals

Even more ways save on tax

The new Payboo Credit Card refunds sales tax instantly

Many shoppers placing orders outside of the sales tax weekend or in states not offering a sales tax holiday can still save on sales tax using B&H's Payboo Card. Best geared for customers paying off the balance in full, it's easy to save hundreds instantly on a Mac purchase. Qualifying shoppers looking to spread payments out over time can also secure no interest financing for up to 12 months in lieu of the sales tax rebate using B&H's regular Financing Card. Here's a list of average savings across Apple's product lines for shoppers in eligible states:

Apple productAverage sales tax savings
Apple Watch Series 4 ($799)$64
2018 MacBook Air ($899)$72
2017 13" MacBook Pro ($1,069)$85
2019 13" MacBook Pro ($1,199)$95
2019 15" MacBook Pro ($2,099)$167
2019 15" MacBook Pro ($2,499)$200
2018 15" MacBook Pro ($3,149)$252

Additional Apple Deals

AppleInsider

and Apple authorized resellers are also running a handful of additional exclusive promotions this month on Apple hardware that will not only deliver the lowest prices on many of the items, but also throw in instant discounts on AppleCare, software and accessories. These deals are as follows:

See if there is a Mac, iPad or Apple Watch deal that will save you $100s by checking out prices.appleinsider.com and deals.appleinsider.com.