Parents starting on back-to-school shopping will get a temporary sales tax break for 10 days this month. From Friday, Aug. 7, through Aug. 16 the state’s sales tax on school supplies will be reduced from 6.25 percent to 1.25 percent. Items with a lower sales tax will include traditional supplies such as markers and pencils, notebooks and folders and other classroom items, as well as many clothing purchases. The sales tax holiday on school supplies is one of two tax relief initiatives in the fiscal year 2027 budget. The sales tax holiday also comes days after the sales tax increased in the Chicago area.