Although not all states offer sales tax holidays to consumers, 17 states across the country (as well as Puerto Rico) currently offer specific dates where shoppers can buy certain items without paying the sales tax on them. While they’re designed as an incentive for consumers to support local businesses, and they’re an interesting approach some states take, it’s difficult to know if they’re really all that effective in driving the local economy – plus these holidays can cause quite a headache for retailers. Which States Offer Sales Tax Holidays?Here is a quick summary:Alabama: Severe weather preparedness, February 22-24 and back to school, July 19-21Arkansas: Back to school, August 3-4Connecticut: Clothing and footwear, August 18-24Iowa: Clothing and footwear, August 2-3