Texas – Back-to-school shopping is about to get a little lighter on the wallet — that’s because Texas’ annual sales tax holiday, known as Tax-Free Weekend, kicks off this Friday, Aug. 8, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 10.
During this three-day event, shoppers across the state can save on sales tax when buying most clothing, footwear, backpacks, and school supplies priced under $100 per item.
With the average cost of school supplies now around $570 per student, according to a Deloitte back-to-school retail survey, those costs can add up quickly — especially for families with multiple children. That’s where tax-free weekends can help.
READ: School supplies for 2025-2026 school year projected to be more expensive
Whether you’re shopping in-store, online, by phone, by mail, or even using layaway, the tax exemption still applies — as long as the item meets the price limit.
“Texas shoppers are expected to save an estimated $133.2 million in state and local sales tax during this year’s sales tax holiday,” said Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock. “We’re glad to be able to help families stretch their hard-earned dollars.”
The Texas Comptroller’s Office outlines these rules for the sales tax holiday:
What qualifies
These items are sales-tax free during the holiday if priced under $100 per item:
- Most everyday clothing and footwear (e.g., jeans, shirts, dresses, sneakers)
- Casual athletic wear that can be worn outside of sports: tennis shoes, jogging suits, swimsuits
- Face masks (cloth or disposable fabric only)
- Backpacks for school use, including wheeled backpacks and messenger bags Limit: 10 per purchase, unless buyer certifies school use
- School supplies listed on the state’s eligible items list (pens, pencils, notebooks, binders, etc.)
- Purchases made in-store, online, by mail, phone, or custom order — if paid for and processed during the holiday
- Layaway items, if final payment is made or item is newly placed on layaway during the holiday
- Discounted items priced under $100
- Online orders paid during the holiday (even if delivered later)
- Shipping charges count toward the price limit — total item + shipping must be under $100
What doesn’t qualify
- Items priced $100.01 or more — no partial exemption
- Specialized athletic or protective gear not worn casually (football pads, golf cleats, ice skates, safety shoes)
- Accessories (jewelry, watches, handbags, purses, wallets, umbrellas, luggage, gym bags, duffle bags, computer bags)
- Framed backpacks and non-school-use bags
- Clothing rentals, alterations, cleaning services
- Fabric, thread, buttons, or materials to make clothing
- Non-qualifying school items (computers, textbooks, software, desks, furniture)
- Clothing subscription boxes
- Business account purchases without an exemption certificate
- Online orders paid after the tax-free weekend, even if placed earlier
- Shipping/delivery charges that raise the total above $100
Tip: If you’re mistakenly charged sales tax on an eligible item, you can ask the retailer for a refund — no need to contact the state.