HOUSTON – Long lines are expected at stores all over Houston for tax-free weekend.
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Texas' annual tax holiday runs Friday through Thursday.
Many clothing items under $100 and selected school supplies may be purchased without paying the normal 8.25 percent to the state. That will save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend.
"Parents really want the added savings where they can actually add up when you have four or five kids," Daniel Morales said.
Some Houstonians said saving the rather small percentage isn't enough to entice them to hit the stores. Natalie Pena did her shopping on Thursday.
"Yeah, it's helpful to save a few cents, but energy-wise and stress-wise, I love this," she said.
The 2009 Legislature expanded the list of items qualifying for tax exemption during the three-day weekend. Texas families get a sales tax break on most school supplies priced at less than $100 purchased for use by a student in an elementary or secondary school.
The list includes binders, book bags, lunch boxes, calculators, notebooks, pens, pencils, glue and more. Backpacks are also exempt.
As in past years, most clothing and footwear priced under $100 are exempt.
Shoppers don't have to have a child to save. Adults can get the deal on many items for themselves.
Many stores are offering other discounts on top of taking off the tax.
Some stores have extended their hours to allow shoppers more time to save.
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.