Texas shoppers can save on qualifying clothing, school supplies and more during the state’s annual sales tax holiday.
By Jacquelyn Burrer
Dallas Morning News
https://www.dallasnews.com/
If back-to-school shopping is on your to-do list, this weekend may be the best time.
The state’s annual tax-free weekend returns Friday as a way to help families save on back-to-school shopping, just weeks before many Texas students start their next school year.
Here’s what to know.
When is tax-free weekend in Texas?
Texas’ tax-free weekend begins Aug. 7 and runs through midnight on Aug. 9, according to the state comptroller’s website.
Any items you buy before or after the holiday begins will not qualify for the tax-free exemption.
What items qualify for tax-free weekend deals?
Purchases must be under $100 per item to receive the sales tax exemption.
Most daily clothing, such as blouses, pants and jackets, qualify. Speciality or sports clothing like fishing gear and hockey gloves do not.
The full list of qualifying clothing and footwear can be found on the state’s website, or comptroller.texas.gov.
Qualifying school supplies include:
- Binders and folders
- Blackboard chalk
- Backpacks and book bags
- Lunch boxes
- School supply kits, only if there are more taxable items than exempt ones
- Paper, including notebook paper, copy paper, manila paper and more
- Notebooks, composition books and legal pads
- Calculators, compasses, protractors or rulers
- Pencil sharpeners, pencils, pens, markers and highlighters
- Index cars and card boxes
- Erasers and glue
Does online shopping qualify for tax-free weekend?
Yes. Texans can receive the tax-free exemption for qualifying items bought in-store, online, by phone or mail. The only restriction is the purchase must be made during the holiday weekend.
Are shipping and delivery fees part of the tax-free exemption?
Charges for shipping and delivery are included in the sales price for eligible items, according to the state comptroller’s website.
For example, if a jacket costs $95, but the delivery fee is $10, the customer would have to pay tax on the full sales price since the total exceeds $100.
What items do not qualify for tax-free weekend?
Speciality items, such as golf cleats or football pads, do not qualify.
Other items that do not qualify include:
- Alterations or cleaning services
- Items used to repair or make clothing, such as yarn or fabric
- Accessories such as jewelry, purses, umbrellas and luggage
- Computers or electronic software
- Textbooks
Service Journalism Reporter
Jacquelyn Burrer is the service journalism reporter for The Dallas Morning News. She is a native of North Texas and graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in history and in journalism. Her previous reporting can be seen in Community Impact and The Well News.
