Texas Tax-Free Weekend Begins This Friday, Aug 7

If you're getting ready for back-to-school shopping in Texas, this weekend is the perfect time to save a little money.

Texas' annual Tax-Free Weekend runs Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9, giving you the chance to buy many back-to-school items without paying state sales tax.

What You Can Buy Tax-Free?

Most clothing, shoes, school supplies and student backpacks priced under $100 per item qualify for the tax exemption.

There's no limit to how many qualifying items you can purchase, as long as each individual item costs less than $100.

The tax break applies whether you shop:

In stores
Online
By phone
Through mail-order catalogs

As long as you pay for the item during the tax holiday, it qualifies, even if it's delivered later.

What Doesn't Qualify?

Some popular items are not tax-free, including:

Computers and software
Textbooks
Jewelry, purses and luggage
Athletic equipment like football pads and golf cleats
Clothing or shoes priced at $100 or more

Regular athletic clothing, such as tennis shoes, jogging suits and swimsuits, does qualify if it's under the price limit.

Don't Forget Shipping Costs!

If you're shopping online, keep an eye on shipping charges.

Shipping and handling count toward an item's total price. If a $95 item has $10 shipping, the total becomes $105, making it ineligible for the tax exemption.

If You Accidentally Pay Tax?

If you're charged sales tax on a qualifying item during the holiday, you can ask the retailer for a refund. If the retailer doesn't issue one, you may be able to file a refund request through the Texas Comptroller's Office.

Whether you're shopping in person or online, Tax-Free Weekend is a good opportunity to save on back-to-school essentials before classes begin.

For more information and specific guidelines for Texas retailers, check out the Texas Comptroller's website.