Texas Tax Free Weekend: When does it starts and what can you buy?

Texas Tax Free Weekend: During the yearly Tax-Free Weekend, the Texas Comptroller’s Office is urging all taxpayers to spend less money and support small businesses in their community. The event this year takes place on Friday, August 9th, and ends at midnight on Sunday, August 11th.

Shoppers in Texas can purchase tax-free apparel, shoes, school supplies, and backpacks priced under $100 during this period, whether they shop in-person or online with Texas-based merchants. According to the comptroller, “In most cases, you do not need to give the seller an exemption certificate to buy qualifying items tax free.”

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It’s crucial to remember that the sales tax exemption is only valid for qualifying purchases made over the long weekend. “Items you buy before or after the sales tax holiday do not qualify for exemption, and there is no tax refund available,” says the comptroller.

A comprehensive inventory of eligible items is supplied by the Comptroller. The majority of things under $100 in clothes and shoes are qualified, except “items sold for $100 or more, clothing subscription boxes, and specially-designed athletic activity or protective-use clothing or footwear.” For instance, because they are usually worn only for such sports, “football pads and golf cleats do not qualify for the exemption.” Yet, “tennis shoes, jogging suits, and swimsuits can be worn for other activities and qualify for the exemption.”

Furthermore, “items used to make or repair clothing” and “clothing or footwear rentals, alterations (including embroidery), and cleaning services” are not included in the exemption. The exemption applies to each qualifying item, not the entire purchase price, as the Comptroller notes. So, “if you buy two shirts for $80 each, each shirt qualifies for the exemption because each is less than $100, even though the total purchase price is $160.”

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Taking everything into account, the Texas Tax-Free Weekend is a great chance to save money on basics and support small businesses in your area.

According to the comptroller, “The Comptroller encourages all taxpayers to support Texas businesses while saving money on tax-free purchases of most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks (sold for less than $100) during the annual Tax-Free Weekend.”

Now is a perfect time to buy in bulk at discounted prices on apparel, shoes, and other necessities. However, not all situations fall under this exemption. A comprehensive list of what is and is not eligible is provided.

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Anything under $100 in apparel, accessories, or shoes is up for grabs. So, you can purchase new shoes, shirts, pants, and other items without paying the additional tax. Even when they are less than the $100 threshold, things like “watches,” “jewelry,” and “belt buckles (sold separately)” are nonetheless taxable.

During the sales tax holiday, several everyday items are exempt from sales tax. Here’s a quick guide to what other items you can expect:

Exempt Items:

• Work uniforms
• Infant clothes
• Adult diapers
• Athletic socks
• General-purpose boots
• Hiking boots
• Belts with attached buckles

Taxed Items:

• Climbing shoes (cleated or spiked)
• Ski boots
• Waders
• Watch bands
• Wallets
• Hair clips

To maximize your savings, make sure to check which items are tax-exempt and which are not. With this guide, you’ll be better prepared to make the most of the sales tax holiday and save on your necessary purchases.