AUSTIN -- The 10th annual Texas sales tax holiday will be this weekend as families prepare to send children back to school.

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Video:Tax-Free Weekend Coming Up: Amy Davis Reports

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Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced most clothing and shoes priced less than $100, with some exceptions, can be purchased tax free starting Friday, saving shoppers 8.25 percent.

Combs estimates shoppers will save about $54 million.

Some tax-free items will include coats, diapers, hooded shirts and sweatshirts, jeans, suits and underclothes.

Taxes must still be paid on wallets, watches, handbags, jewelry and roller blades and skates.

Combs said the tax loss is not expected to have a significant impact on Texas sales tax collections. She said Texas sales tax revenue "continues to grow at a healthy pace."

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 each. 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 hot line at (800) 252-5555 or visit the State Comptroller's Web site.