Texas shoppers can save a little money on back-to-school purchases this weekend as the state's annual sales tax holiday gets underway.
The tax-free weekend runs from Friday, August 7, through midnight Sunday the 9th. During that time, qualifying clothing, shoes, backpacks and school supplies can be purchased without state and local sales taxes.
The big number to remember is $100. In most cases, an eligible item must be priced under $100 to qualify, but shoppers can buy as many qualifying items as they want.
The exemption applies to purchases made at Texas retailers in stores and through qualifying online, phone or mail orders during the holiday.
There are plenty of exclusions, however, including computers and some athletic gear. Delivery charges can also push an otherwise qualifying purchase over the $100 limit.
Here's a quick look at what is and isn't covered during the Texas tax-free weekend.
Photo: SilverV / iStock / Getty Images
Items that qualify
Most everyday clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item qualify for the sales tax exemption, including:
- Jeans
- Shirts and T-shirts
- Dresses
- Shorts
- Pants
- Jackets and coats
- School uniforms
- Work uniforms and scrubs
- Scout uniforms
- Socks
- Underwear
- Sneakers
- Sandals
- Boots
- Hiking boots
- Leather shoes
School supplies that qualify
Many common classroom supplies priced under $100 are also tax-free, including:
- Binders
- Notebooks
- Composition books
- Pens and pencils
- Markers
- Crayons
- Highlighters
- Folders
- Paper
- Rulers
- Erasers
- Glue
- Scissors
- Pencil boxes and school supply boxes
Backpacks
Most backpacks priced under $100 qualify for the exemption.
Traditional school backpacks are included, but some specialty bags are not. Shoppers should check before buying athletic or travel bags that may look like backpacks but don't qualify under the state's rules.
What is NOT tax-free
Some expensive back-to-school purchases remain taxable even during the holiday. Items that don't qualify include:
- Any otherwise eligible item priced at $100 or more
- Computers and laptops
- Computer software
- Textbooks
- Computer bags
- Handbags and purses
- Wallets
- Watches
- Jewelry
- Luggage
- Briefcases
- Duffel bags
- Gym bags
- Framed backpacks
- Clothing subscription boxes
- Specially designed athletic clothing or footwear
- Protective clothing or footwear
- Clothing alterations
- Clothing cleaning services
- Materials used to make or repair clothing
Texas' tax free weekend ends at midnight Sunday, August 9.