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Texas Tax-Free Weekend Now Underway for Back-to-School Savings

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Published on August 09, 2024
Texas Tax-Free Weekend Now Underway for Back-to-School SavingsSource: Unsplash/ Benjamin Cheng

The annual Texas Tax-Free Weekend has commenced, with this year's event taking place today through Sunday. Shoppers are getting ready to fill their carts with back-to-school essentials while saving on sales tax. According to a report by ABC7 Amarillo, eligible items include school supplies and clothes priced under $100.

During the Tax-Free Weekend, the standard toll of sales tax on qualifying purchases is lifted, translating to savings of about $8 for every $100 spent, as noted by the Texas Comptroller's Office. Items ranging from binders to britches can be snagged without the extra charges that normally accompany a cash register receipt. However, shoppers should be aware that not every item they might be shopping for will qualify for the tax exemption.

Parents and teachers alike are taking advantage of the savings opportunity as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Notably, the exemption applies to tangible items such as most footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced below the $100 threshold. As KSAT reports, the exemption applies to both in-store purchases and online shopping, provided the items are bought from Texas retailers.

However, according to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, ineligible items include those sold for $100 or more, clothing subscription boxes, specialized athletic gear, alterations or cleaning services, and a slew of accessories such as jewelry and briefcases. When planning their shopping lists, customers would do well to keep the specifics of the exemption in mind.