AUSTIN, Texas — Throughout this upcoming weekend, Texas shoppers will get to make tax-free purchases on back-to-school related items like supplies, shoes, clothing and backpacks.
The tax holiday this year runs from this Friday, Aug. 9, and goes through midnight Sunday, Aug. 11. According to a news release from the Texas Comptroller's Office, qualifying items, including most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than $100), can be purchased tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller that does business in Texas.
Items purchased before or after the sales tax holiday don't qualify for exemption, and there is no tax refund available.
The following qualify for this year's tax-free holiday:
- List of Clothing, Footwear and Other Items
- List of School Supplies
- Clothing and Footwear
- Face Masks
- Backpacks
- School Supplies
More information about this year's tax-free weekend can be found here.
SHOPPING TIPS
Buyers should be aware of scammers trying to take advantage of their online shopping. The Better Business Bureau encourages people to be on the lookout for fake websites, unsolicited emails and text messages before clicking pay.
Regarding delivery fees, if a single item costs $95 and there’s a $10 delivery fee, the buyer will be taxed since their total will be over $100. Electronic devices like laptops won’t be exempt from tax this weekend.
Also, one tip to save money this year is to look for supplies that families may already have lying around at home, such as extra notebooks, pencils or crayons. Making a list and looking for good deals can be a great help too.