The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has confirmed that another Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) Reduction Weekend will be held on Friday, 28 August and Saturday, 29 August 2026, as part of the Government’s continuing efforts to assist parents and guardians with the cost of preparing students for the reopening of schools following the summer holidays.

During the two-day period, the ABST will be reduced to zero percent on qualifying school supplies and food items, providing families with an opportunity to make essential back-to-school purchases at reduced cost.

The decision follows an earlier commitment by Cabinet to provide targeted tax relief during important periods of household expenditure, particularly when families are preparing children for the start of a new school term.

Earlier this year, Cabinet implemented a similar measure on 10 and 11 April 2026, when ABST was reduced to zero percent on food items and school supplies ahead of the reopening of schools following the Easter break. The measure was intended to provide direct financial relief to families and cushion households from continuing global cost-of-living pressures.

The ABST initiative will cover a broad range of school-related items, including pencils, pens, notebooks, school uniforms, school bags, shoes, calculators, geometry sets, art supplies, IT supplies and home economics supplies and food items.

The measure forms part of the Government’s wider programme of support for students and families, which includes the provision of school uniforms and the School Meals Programme.

Cabinet recognizes that the beginning of a new school year can place additional financial demands on households, particularly those with multiple school-aged children. The temporary removal of ABST from school supplies is therefore intended to allow parents and guardians to realize savings on essential educational and food items.

The Cabinet encourages parents and guardians to take advantage of the Friday, 28 August and Saturday, 29 August 2026 tax-relief period to purchase the supplies required for their children’s return to school.

The Inland Revenue Department will provide the necessary guidance to businesses and the public on the qualifying school supplies and administrative arrangements for the two-day ABST Reduction Weekend.

Cabinet reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to implementing practical measures that support families, ease cost-of-living pressures and ensure that the nation’s students are adequately prepared for the start of the new academic year.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Families to Pay No ABST on Food and School Supplies During August 28–29 Relief Weekend.