Top Tax Free Online Stores to Save Big in 2025

What Are Tax Free Online Stores?

Tax free online stores are retailers that do not charge sales tax at checkout—either because of their physical location, business structure, or state policies. For savvy shoppers, especially those making large purchases, avoiding even a 6–10% sales tax can mean big savings.

Why Some Stores Don’t Charge Tax:

• They operate in states with no sales tax (like Oregon or Delaware).
• They ship from states without nexus (legal presence) in your location.
• They cater to resellers, non-profits, or government entities with valid tax-exempt status.

How You Can Legally Shop Tax-Free Online

States With No Sales Tax:

• Delaware
• Montana
• Oregon
• New Hampshire
• Alaska (some local taxes may apply)

If an online store is based in one of these states and has no nexus in your state, you might not be charged sales tax.

Tax Exemption Options:

• Reseller Certificates: For business or wholesale purchases
• Educational Institutions & Nonprofits: With valid exemption IDs
• Government Agencies

Note: Even if the store doesn’t charge sales tax, use tax may still be legally owed in your state. Always follow local rules.

Why Tax-Free Shopping Matters in 2025

In 2025, with inflation tightening budgets and e-commerce booming, shoppers are more price-sensitive than ever.

A tax-free purchase = instant savings.

For example:

• $1,000 laptop in California (with 9.5% sales tax) = $95 tax
• Buying from a tax-free online store = $95 saved

Top 10 Tax Free Online Stores in 2025

Here’s a curated list of popular and reliable online retailers that frequently offer tax-free checkout depending on your shipping location.

• B&H Photo Video – Electronics – No tax outside NY & NJ
• Adorama – Electronics/Photo – Tax-free in many states
• Newegg – Computers – Business buyers can apply tax-exempt
• Backcountry – Outdoor gear – Often tax-free based on state
• iHerb – Supplements – Ships tax-free to most U.S. states
• FragranceNet – Beauty – No tax on many orders
• BHFO – Apparel – Tax-free on many eBay listings
• Apple Education Store – Tech – Student discounts + limited tax breaks
• Nordstrom (via Rakuten) – Fashion – Tax savings + cash back
• Sweetwater – Music gear – No tax in many states

👉 Pro Tip: Always simulate checkout with your zip code to confirm tax amount before completing a purchase.

Tech & Electronics Retailers Offering Tax-Free Options

1. B&H Photo Video (NY-based)

One of the best-known tax-free online stores for electronics. They only charge tax in New York and New Jersey. If you’re outside those states—no tax!

2. Adorama

Photography and tech gear powerhouse. They frequently offer tax-exempt checkout for states outside their nexus list.

3. Newegg

Tech-focused retailer with a Business Advantage program. Qualified businesses can upload resale certificates for automatic tax exemption.

Clothing & Apparel Sites with No Sales Tax

Backcountry

If you’re into outdoor clothing and gear, Backcountry often skips sales tax depending on your location.

BHFO (via eBay)

Sells major fashion brands at a discount and ships tax-free to many states. Watch for “sales tax not included” under pricing.

Beauty & Wellness Platforms That Let You Skip the Tax

iHerb

Globally trusted for supplements and natural products. Ships tax-free to most states and over 180 countries.

FragranceNet

Perfume lovers rejoice! Offers deep discounts + no sales tax on most orders shipped within the U.S.

Are Amazon and Walmart Tax-Free?

Short Answer: Not Really.

Amazon collects tax in all states where it has nexus (which is most states).

Walmart follows similar rules and charges tax almost everywhere.

Workaround:

• Look for third-party sellers who ship independently and do not collect sales tax.
• Use international Amazon versions like Amazon UK for niche items that might be cheaper even after currency conversion.

Niche & Specialty Tax-Free Online Stores

• Sweetwater – Music gear, often tax-free outside Indiana
• Book Depository – Books shipped tax-free globally
• Blick Art Materials – Art supplies with selective tax-free shipping

International Tax-Free Online Stores That Ship to the U.S.

Some global retailers don’t charge U.S. sales tax or value-added tax (VAT):

• YesStyle (Hong Kong) – No sales tax, huge fashion selection
• Book Depository (UK) – Free global shipping, tax included
• Cosme-De (Japan) – No U.S. sales tax, authentic skincare
• AliExpress (China) – Tax is included in prices for U.S.

Check customs duties before ordering, especially for high-value items.

How to Shop Smart with Tax Exemptions

If you qualify as a business, educator, or reseller, upload your tax exemption certificate to:

• Newegg Business
• Adorama B2B
• Apple Education Portal

Some states allow nonprofits to claim exemptions with proper verification. Always keep documentation.

Risks & Caveats of Tax-Free Online Shopping

• Use Tax: Some states expect you to self-report and pay use tax.
• Limited Warranties: Tax-free sellers might not be authorized retailers.
• Counterfeits: Be cautious with third-party sellers promising “no tax.”

Always buy from reputable sources and check return policies.

How to Check If an Online Store Charges Tax

• Go to checkout page and enter your shipping zip code.
• Use browser extensions like TaxJar, TaxTools, or InvisibleHand.
• Contact customer service or check the FAQs on the store’s website.

Best Browser Tools & Extensions to Detect Tax-Free Deals

• Honey: Finds the best coupons and flags tax-free merchants.
• Capital One Shopping: Automatically compares pricing (tax included).
• Rakuten: Shows cashback + potential tax-saving partners.
• TaxJar: Designed for sellers, but useful for shoppers too.

Tips for Saving More While Shopping Tax-Free

• Stack Coupons: Use codes + tax savings for double discounts.
• Shop on Tax Holidays: Some states offer online tax-free weekends.
• Use Credit Card Cashback or Loyalty Points
• Bundle Products: Fewer shipments = lower costs and fewer taxes.
• Join Newsletters: Get exclusive early access to promotions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Are tax free online stores legal?
  Yes, they are legal. Retailers are only required to collect sales tax where they have a tax nexus.
• Can I avoid tax on Amazon or Walmart?
  Not easily. These giants collect tax in almost all states. Look for third-party sellers without nexus.
• Do I have to pay tax later if it’s not charged?
  In some states, yes. This is called use tax, and it’s the buyer’s responsibility.
• What if I’m shopping from overseas?
  Many U.S. stores don’t charge sales tax for international orders, but customs duties may still apply.
• Can resellers shop tax-free online?
  Yes, with a valid resale certificate, many stores will exempt you from sales tax.
• Is it safe to shop from international tax-free stores?
  Yes, if you stick to reputable sellers. Be cautious with extremely low prices that seem too good to be true.

Conclusion: Are Tax Free Online Stores Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely! In 2025, where every dollar counts, shopping from tax free online stores is one of the smartest ways to save big—especially for tech, fashion, supplements, and gear. With a bit of research and the right tools, you can keep more money in your wallet without sacrificing quality or selection.