There are just five states in the United States that force schools to pay sales taxes on the purchases they make. The states that exempt schools include the District of Columbia.
Arizona
Arizona requires schools in the state to pay the state general sales tax of 6.6 percent on all purchases, unless the purchase falls under another tax rate. Then the school must pay that alternative tax rate. This tax rate was in effect as of August 2010.
California
California requires schools to pay the state general sales tax of 8.25 percent on all purchases, unless the purchase falls under another tax rate. If so, the school must pay that alternative tax rate. This tax rate was in effect as of April 1, 2010.
North Carolina
North Carolina requires schools to pay the state general sales tax of 5.75 percent on all purchases, unless the purchase falls under another tax rate. Otherwise, the school must pay that alternative tax rate. This tax rate was in effect as of July 1, 2010.
South Carolina
South Carolina requires schools to pay the state general sales tax of 6 percent on all purchases, unless the purchase falls under another tax rate. If so, the school must pay that alternative tax rate. This tax rate was in effect as of August 2010.
Washington State
The state of Washington requires schools to pay the state general sales tax of 6.5 percent on all purchases, unless the purchase falls under another tax rate. Otherwise, the school must pay that alternative tax rate. This tax rate was in effect as of tax year 2009.