TJ Maxx Return Policy: Everything You Need To Know
Written by
Sophia Acevedo
Edited by
Melanie Grafil, M.A., CHFC™
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TJ Maxx is a popular discount retail store that offers deals on clothing, furniture, toys, cosmetics and more. If an item is unsatisfactory for any reason, the store will accept a return. It even offers an extended holiday return period that runs over the standard 30 days. Items purchased in a store can’t be returned online, though.
Return Timeframes at TJ Maxx
TJ Maxx has a standard return policy for in-store and online purchases. Here’s an overview of TJ Maxx return timeframes:
| Item Type | Customer Return Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Online purchase | 40 days |
| In-store purchase | 30 days, merchandise credit for returns surpassing that timeframe |
The TJX collection of retailers includes TJ Maxx as well as several sister stores, including Sierra, Marshalls and Home Goods. TJX does not allow returns between these different stores, however. For example, TJ Maxx items cannot be returned to a Marshalls store.
The holiday season is a busy time for TJ Maxx and its customers. For added convenience, the company sets an extended period for returns around this time of year.
TJ Maxx Return Policy for 2025 to 2026
In 2025, the policy allows any purchase made in a TJ Maxx store between Oct. 5 and Dec. 24 to be returned through Jan. 25, 2026. Purchases made online between Oct. 5 and Dec. 14 can be returned through Feb. 4, 2026.
What Items Are Eligible for Returns?
Most purchases can be returned, but there are exceptions.
The TJ Maxx return policy states that the item must be in its original condition. Clothing that shows signs of use is non-returnable both in-store and online. The store has the right to refuse damaged items.
You can only return swimwear and intimate apparel that still have the original tags attached. Gift cards can’t be returned.
Furthermore, for online purchases, some items may be subject to restrictions or marked as “final sale” in the returns information. Check the item’s product description page to see if it is marked “final sale.” This will also be noted on the receipt. Beauty items that have been opened and used also can’t be returned.
Refund Options
Refunds and exchanges are available for in-store purchases. You can also get refunds for online orders, but not exchanges.
TJ Maxx stores refund the purchase price in the original form of payment when you provide a receipt, and return the item by the appropriate timeframe window for the order type.
If you return an item without a receipt or after the standard return timeframe of 40 days, you can get merchandise credit instead. The store requires a photo ID with your name, address and signature for these returns. The store uses this information to match you with the original purchase.
When the merchandise credit is used, the store will ask for a look at your photo ID to ensure the names match — you can’t give the credit to someone else to use.
In-Store vs. Online Returns
Not sure whether to return at a TJ Maxx store or online? Here’s a brief comparison of the two options:
| Feature | In-Store Return | Online Return |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Processed same day, but may take a few days for the amount to be refunded to account | 10 to 14 business days, starting on the day received |
| Cost | Free | $11.99 return shipping fee for regular-sized items Additional fees apply for oversized items |
| Convenience | Possible to make exchanges | Can be done at home |
Common Return Issues and How To Solve Them
A limited number of items are ineligible for in-store returns at TJ Maxx. These include items priced at more than $1,000, handbags priced over $499.99, long occasion gowns and any cosmetics that have been opened or subject to tampering.
Like many other retailers, TJ Maxx has systems in place to verify that anyone returning an item was the original purchaser. In the case of suspected fraud, the store reserves the right to refuse a return.
How To Start a Return
Whether you’re returning items in-store or online, there are some things to be aware of.
In-Store
For in-store purchases, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Bring proof of purchase, like a receipt, confirmation email or order number
- Include plastic packaging, if applicable
Online
To make an in-mail return:
- Use the online return portal
- Put the return pack slip with your item inside your return packaging
- Use the shipping label and return packaging provided by TJ Maxx
- Drop off your return at the shipping carrier you chose in the portal
Overall, the return policy at TJ Maxx is pretty straightforward and has a standard refund timeframe. The policy differs a bit between online and in-store purchases, so keep those distinctions in mind when you’re buying items at TJ Maxx.
Thomas Streissguth contributed to the reporting for this article.
Information is accurate as of Dec. 2, 2025.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
