Every August, Texas families get a break from state and local sales taxes on essential back-to-school purchases. This year, Tax-Free Weekend runs from Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10, offering savings of up to 8.25% on qualifying items. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, understanding the rules can help you stretch your budget and make smart choices.
Qualifying Items
To be exempt from sales tax, each item must be priced under $100. There’s no limit to how many qualifying items you can buy, as long as each one individually meets the price threshold.
Items that qualify include:
Clothing and Footwear:
T-shirts, jeans, dresses, pajamas, socks, sneakers
Cloth and disposable face masks
Diapers (baby and adult)
Swimsuits and jogging suits
School Supplies:
Backpacks (up to 10 per purchase)
Binders, calculators, composition books
Crayons, markers, pens, pencils
Paper, rulers, scissors, glue
Keep in mind that items must be purchased during the tax-free period to qualify—even if delivery or pickup happens later.
Excluded Items
Not everything is tax-free. Some items may seem school-related but don’t qualify under the state’s guidelines.
Items that do not qualify include:
Athletic and Protective Gear:
Football pads, golf cleats, helmets
Accessories:
Jewelry, purses, wallets, watches, belt buckles
Services:
Clothing rentals, alterations, embroidery, cleaning
Technology and Media:
Computers, software, textbooks
Oversized Items:
Luggage, duffle bags, framed backpacks
Also note: shipping and handling fees count toward the $100 limit. For example, a $95 item with $10 shipping becomes taxable because the total exceeds the threshold. For more details, visit The Comptroller Texas.
Online and Mail Order Rules
You can shop tax-free online, by mail, phone, or custom order, as long as:
- The purchase is completed and paid for during the tax-free weekend
- The seller does business in Texas
- The total price per item, including shipping, remains under $100
For instance, buying a $90 shirt online at 11:59 p.m. on August 10 qualifies—even if it ships later. But if payment fails and is retried after midnight, it’s taxable.
Local Impact and Savings Projections
Texas families are expected to save approximately $143 million in state and local sales taxes this year alone. Since the holiday began in 1999, Texans have saved more than $2 billion.
In the Austin area, the impact is especially strong. With a large student population and a vibrant retail scene, local families benefit not only from the tax exemption but also from community events and retailer promotions. Many stores offer additional discounts, clearance sales, and giveaways during the weekend, amplifying the savings.
Final Tips for Shoppers
To make the most of Tax-Free Weekend:
- Make a list of essentials before heading out
- Combine tax-free deals with store coupons or flash sales
- Shop early for best selection
- Double-check shipping costs on online orders
- Save receipts in case you need to request a refund for mistakenly charged tax
- Check out our Kids Directory for local stores worth hitting up.
Whether you’re a parent prepping for the first day of school or a teacher restocking your classroom, Texas Tax-Free Weekend is a valuable opportunity to save. With a little planning, you can stretch your budget and start the school year with confidence.
Back-to-school Special
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