It is that time of year again — time for back-to-school shopping and the annual Texas Tax-Free Weekend.
This year’s sales tax holiday begins Friday, August 9, at 12:01 a.m. and continues until midnight on Sunday, August 11.
The sales tax exemption applies to any qualifying items purchased online, by telephone, or in-store during the tax-free weekend. The qualifying items must cost less than $100 each, although customers can buy as many items as needed. Any shipping or delivery charges are included in the $100 limit for those ordering online.
The Texas Comptroller’s Office has published a list of qualifying school supplies, which can be looked over here.
In addition to school supplies, consumers can purchase clothing and shoes tax-free this weekend as long as the items are priced under $100. More expensive clothing items normally sold as a unit, such as a business suit or a pair of shoes, cannot be separated and sold individually to meet the individual price maximum.
Cloth or disposable face masks are eligible for the tax exemption, but industrial or medical-grade face masks do not qualify. Backpacks priced under $100 may be purchased tax-free, but framed backpacks, luggage, purses, computer bags, briefcases, and gym bags do not qualify for the exemption. Gear that is typically worn only for athletic activity, such as golf cleats and football helmets, do not qualify for the exemption, but athletic wear that can be worn for purposes other than athletic activity, such as sweatpants or tennis shoes, do qualify.
For a full explanation of qualifying items, see the Texas Administrative Code regarding the sales tax holiday.
According to a recent survey by Deloitte, families in North Texas will spend an average of $885 per child on clothing and school supplies this year, which is far above the national average of $586. The sales tax holiday will save consumers the 8.25% tax normally applied to Dallas purchases. For a family spending $885 each on two children, that amounts to a tax savings of about $146.
Of course, the sales tax holiday is not strictly all about the kids. Mom and Dad may also want to take advantage of the opportunity to save a few bucks and slip a little something for themselves into the shopping cart this weekend.
