Hey y’all! In Texas, this year’s Tax-Free Weekend is from August 7 – 9, 2020. If you’re heading back to school or you’re shopping around for great deals, this is one of the best times of the year to go shopping and save. Remember that not everything is included.
According to the Texas Comptroller, the law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced less than $100 from sales and use taxes. You’ll still pay taxes on big-ticket items, such as computers and electronics, but hey, still see what deals you can find and stock up on those back-to-school essentials!
Tips to Know Before You Shop
- Check the time. Big-box stores and malls are extending their hours during this time so you’ll have plenty of time to do your shopping. I would recommend going in as early as possible or late at night to avoid the midday crowd.
- Check the list. There aren’t any changes in the rules this year compared to last year. Find all the tax-free items on the here. We’ve also listed some of the qualifying school supplies and other items below.
- Put an item under layaway if you can’t afford it at the moment. According to the Comptroller’s website, “a sale of a qualifying item under a layaway plan qualifies for exemption if the customer places the qualifying merchandise on layaway during the holiday or makes the final payment during the holiday.”
- Skip the lines. Online purchases also participate in tax-free weekend in Texas. Amazon is one of them. Shop online at your favorite retailers first to see what you can save before you hit the stores.
- Keep your receipt. You never know if you’ll find a better deal a week after this sale.
- Know your backpacks. For this weekend only, the sales tax exemption applies to those priced under $100 and sold for use by elementary and secondary school students. Backpacks can have wheels but must have straps and also be able to be worn on the back. Luggage, briefcases, and gym bags don’t count.
- Ask a store associate for details. If you don’t know, or if you’re unsure, always ask.
- Use coupons. Don’t forget that coupons still exist at this time! You’ll be able to save even more if you remember to use them.
- Compare prices. Check your store’s ads and websites to compare prices on the items you want to purchase. Find out which store is offering a better deal. Knowing what these items usually cost will help you identify which deals are worth taking advantage of and what can wait.
- Plan ahead. Get that school supply list ready. Circle items in your ads to indicate what you’re going to purchase. Keep a shopping list in your phone’s notes. Know which stores you’ll be hitting. It’s going to be chaotic, but you can power through it smoothly with a plan.
Qualifying School Supplies
Check out the whole list and exclusions.
- Binders
- Blackboard chalk
- Book bags
- Calculators
- Cellophane tape
- Compasses
- Composition books
- Crayons
- Erasers
- Folders – expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila
- Glue, paste and paste sticks
- Highlighters
- Index cards
- Index card boxes
- Kits
- Legal pads
- Lunch boxes
- Markers (including dry erase markers)
- Notebooks
- Paper – loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper
- Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes
- Pencil sharpeners
- Pencils
- Pens
- Protractors
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Writing tablets
Other Qualifying Items
- Hats
- Tops
- Neckwear, scarves, and ties
- Outerwear (raincoats and jackets)
- Bottoms (jeans and skirts)
- Footwear (tennis shoes, sandals, and slippers)
- Socks
- Workout clothes
- Uniforms
- Swimsuits
- Bras
Items That Do NOT Qualify
- Items sold for $100 or more
- Clothing subscription boxes
- Specially-designed athletic activity or protective-use clothing or footwear
- Clothing or footwear rentals, alterations (including embroidery) and cleaning services
- Items used to make or repair clothing, such as fabric, thread, yarn, buttons, snaps, hooks and zippers
- Jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches and other accessories
- Computers
- Software
- Textbooks
- Framed backpacks
- Luggage
- Briefcases
- Athletic, duffle or gym bags
- Computer bags
- Purses
![]() |
![]() |
Bottom Line
Save on school supplies, clothes, and much more with this year’s Tax-Free Weekend in Texas. Just make sure to check the list for all the valid items. Even though you’ll be saving about $8 per $100 spent, for a parent, that is enough for a couple meals or even more at school.
Comment below and share us your thoughts and findings during this event! Don’t forget to check out our listing for more ways to save money if you’re not shopping in Texas!
Leave a Reply