Texas' Tax-Free Weekend For Back To School Is Here

HOUSTON, TX — The Texas tax free weekend for back to school shopping kicked on Friday and will run through this Sunday, and for most Texans it's perfect timing.

Classes wll resume for some school districts on Aug. 22, with others in Texas following on Aug. 28, giving parents a head start on getting their kids ready for the first day of school.

However, parent's need to know what is on the list, and what isn't.

In previous years, the law exempted most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced less than $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend.

The eligible items listed on the Texas Comptroller’s website include:

• Clothing and footwear
• Backpacks
• School Supplies

The list itself seems pretty cut and dry, but it helps of shoppers check the fine print before hitting the local shopping mall.

For instance, shoes such as football cleats, golfing shoes or ballet shoes are not exempt from taxation during this break.

Nor are services on clothing, such as embroidery or alteration or clothing or shoes that have to be rented, including in the tax-exempt weekend.

Other items that are not tax-exempt are jewelry, purses and handbags, briefcases, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches and similar items.

Meanwhile, those who prefer to shop online can expect to be billed for shipping or transportation charges, which according to the Texas Comptroller’s web page, are part of the sale price.

Also, items that are placed on layaway, or paid in full during the tax-exempt holiday also qualify.

To see a full list of items, or get some of those frequently asked questions answer, can find the sales tax holiday answers on the Texas Comptroller’s website.

Image: Daniel X. O'Neil via Flickr Commons

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