Back-to-school sales tax holiday next week

State and local residents can get their children prepared with back-to-school savings through a state sales tax holiday next week. 

The sales tax holiday will be held Friday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 10 with sales tax exemptions on items priced below $100. 

The Texas Comptroller’s office estimates shoppers will save an estimated $133.2 million in state and local sales taxes during the holiday next month.

“Back-to-school costs can add up fast,” Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock said. “Whether you prefer to shop in person or online, this tax-free weekend helps families stretch their hard-earned dollars, saving about $8 for every $100 spent. Texans have saved more than $2 billion since this tradition began in 1999, and we’re glad to keep it operating.”

During the holiday, items can be purchased tax free in person, online, by phone or by mail. 

Purchases are exempt when they are delivered and paid for by the customer during the exemption period, or paid for and the seller accepts the order during the exemption period for shipment. 

School supplies that are exempt from tax during the holiday include binders, book bags, calculators, composition books, crayons, erasers, folders, glue, highlighters, lunch boxes, markers, notebooks, paper, pencils, pens and more. 

Other items eligible for the tax exemption are most footwear and clothing sold for less than $100, such as jeans, dresses, shirts, hats, workout clothes, tennis shoes and more.
For all items eligible for the exemption, visit TexasTaxHoliday.org. The items eligible are set by the Texas Legislature.

If a shopper pays sales tax on qualifying items during the sales tax holiday, they can ask the seller for a refund of the tax paid.