HOUSTON -- Tax-free weekend, which used to take place the first weekend in August, was moved to be closer to the start of the school year, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

The annual sales tax holiday weekend will begin Aug. 17 at 12:01 a.m. and end at midnight Aug. 19. All Texas public schools will now start back to school on the fourth Monday of August, which falls on Aug. 27 this year.

For the first time, backpacks under $100 and used by elementary and secondary students will be exempt, along with most clothing and footwear priced less than $100, saving shoppers 8.25 percent.

For parents, the annual event can really help during back-to-school shopping since many stores offer big discounts on top of the tax break.

Many stores will open early and have extended hours to lure in shoppers.

Here are some of the guidelines for tax-free weekend.

Customers will receive the break on individual items, regardless of the total amount they buy. For example, sales tax is not due if a customer buys six shirts each priced at $99. But full tax is due on a shirt sold for $100.
Clothing and footwear used primarily for athletic activities or for protective wear are not eligible for the exemption. For example, customers buying golf cleats or football pads must pay sales tax. Athletic wear that is also used for other non-athletic activities qualify for the tax exemption. For example, tennis shoes, baseball caps and jogging suits are often worn during everyday activities and will be tax-free.
Accessories such as jewelry and watches are excluded and will be taxed, as well as items that are carried rather than worn, including handbags, briefcases and wallets.

For more information, call the tax-free hotline at (800) 252-5555 or visit the State Comptroller's Web site.