Back to School 2025–2026: Complete Guide + Tax-Free Weekend

With the tax-free Back to School weekend right around the corner, now’s the perfect time to get organized and make the return to school stress-free—and budget-friendly.

? Official Tax-Free Dates

The Puerto Rico Department of Treasury has confirmed that from midnight on Friday, July 18, through 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, you can shop for school uniforms and supplies without paying sales tax. The second tax-free period will be in January 2026.

More details here: Carta Circular de Rentas Internas Núm. 25‑13.

?️ What items are tax-exempt?

• Uniforms: Shirts, polos, pants, skirts, gym clothes, approved shoes and sneakers.
• Basic school supplies: Backpacks, folders, pencils, pens, scissors, rulers, calculators, and more.
• Art & music supplies: Paints, sketchbooks, instruments, maps, globes.
• Technology: USB drives and more.

? Smart Planning: Essential Tips

Check school supply and book lists
Go through what you already have from last year. Donate what you don’t need. Reusing = saving!

Cover and label books
You can do it yourself or hire a neighbor, teen, or local entrepreneur. Some offer custom labels or book covers. Label everything—books, backpacks, water bottles, lunchboxes—especially for the little ones.

Check backpacks, lunchboxes, and shoes
Broken zippers, torn seams, or tight sneakers can ruin the first day. Inspect everything in advance.

Support local businesses
In Rincón, you’ll find shops offering school supplies and services like:

• Community pharmacies (basic supplies)
  
• Surf shops (durable backpacks)
  
• Local entrepreneurs (labels, book covers, snacks)
  

Check the school calendar
Confirm start dates, orientation info, any required apps, and whether there are discounts for early or full-term payments.

Local snack shopping
Take the kids to the grocery store and let them pick their snacks—tastes change quickly and what they loved in June might not cut it now.

Double-check supplies
Sharpen pencils, test pens, replace broken crayons, and double-check lists.

Ease back into the school routine
Start adjusting bedtime and wake-up times early to avoid a last-minute struggle.

? Ideas for Local Businesses & Entrepreneurs

• Offer custom book covers and labels.
  
• Promote back-to-school haircut specials for kids and teens.
  
• If you rent an Airbnb, offer a discount code like BackToSchool2025 valid through mid-August.
  
• Post your services (labels, book covers, snacks, backpacks) in our app/portal — we’ll feature you in our Back to School Guide!
  

Do you have a business in The West?

Promote your services with What’s Up Rincón—offer book covering, labels, snacks, haircuts, backpacks, tech accessories, and more.
? Contact us to be included in our local guide and social media promos.

Things to Do

?️ Mark your calendar for the tax-free weekend: July 18–19.
? Review lists, reuse, cover, and label.
? Check backpacks, shoes, lunchboxes, and prep routines.
? Support local and promote your services or products with us.

With a little planning, back to school can be smooth, fun, and a bit more affordable.