A Vinemont Middle School student puts school supplies in his locker in this 2016 Times photo. Back to school supplies will be tax-free July 19-21.

Even though summer is just beginning to heat up, it’ll only be a few short weeks before local kids and parents begin turning their attention, once more, to the start of a new school year.

Thanks to local participation in the statewide back-to-school sales tax holiday, July will be the ideal time to stock up on all those back-to-school supplies, including a handful of big-ticket items that, if bought at the right time, could save shoppers from spending some serious extra cash.

Local retailers will participate in Alabama’s statewide sales tax holiday for school-related items this month, selling eligible goods completely free of both state and local sales tax. This year’s back-to-school tax holiday will run through the weekend of July 19 through July 21.

In addition to small items like paper, writing materials, arts and crafts supplies, and more, a lot of electronic equipment with a price tag under $750 is also eligible for the tax exemption — including laptops, printers, tablets, and more.

Local municipalities, as well as Cullman County, have joined in to waive local sales taxes along with the state’s waiver of its 4 percent sales tax, meaning a big $700 purchase could save shoppers more than $50 in total taxes if the item is purchased over the July 19-21 weekend.

In association with the tax holiday, the Alabama Retail Association is promoting smart spending through its #StacheSomeSupplies social media campaign, which encourages shoppers to take advantage of the tax-free weekend by stocking up on supplies for use throughout the entire year. “Art supplies, computer paper, and diapers are examples of items that will be exempt from taxes during the tax holiday but are used year-round,” the association advises.

Other items exempt from taxes will include typical back-to-school purchases like clothing (priced at $100 or less per article), any school supply priced at $50 or less per item, and books priced at $30 or less per item. For a complete listing of what does and doesn’t qualify for the tax waiver, visit the Alabama Retail Association’s website at alabamaretail.org.