Tax-exempt weekend has arrived. Take advantage and accumulate school supplies, backpacks, and clothing without paying sales tax.
The 2025 Texas sales tax holiday, set to take place from Friday, Aug. 8, to Sunday, Aug. 10, offers a great opportunity for residents to save on back-to-school essentials. During this period, most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced under $100 each will be exempt from sales tax[1][3][5].
Qualifying Items
- Clothes: From shirts and skirts to coats, dresses, shorts, pants, jeans, socks, underwear, diapers, and workout clothes, a wide range of apparel priced under $100 is eligible[1][2]. This includes professional clothing and some athletic shoes used for sports, as long as they fall within the price limit[1][2].
- Shoes: Most footwear under $100 is exempt, but specially designed athletic or protective footwear such as cleated shoes or gloves are excluded[1][4].
- School Supplies: Common supplies like writing tablets, calculators, crayons, scissors, notebooks, paper, and lunch boxes under $100 qualify[1][4].
- Backpacks: Backpacks for elementary and secondary students priced under $100 are exempt. This includes “framed backpacks” and those with wheels that can be worn as a traditional backpack, as well as messenger bags. However, briefcases, gym bags, duffle bags, luggage, purses, and computer bags are not exempt[2][3].
Additional Notes
- Purchases must be made between 12:01 a.m. August 8 and midnight August 10, including online or by phone[2][3].
- Up to 10 backpacks may be purchased tax-free at one time without an exemption certificate, but business accounts require certification that items are for elementary or secondary students[3].
- Items priced at $100 or more, and some categories like jewelry, software, textbooks, hair accessories, and specialized athletic gear are not included[1][4].
For a detailed list of qualifying and non-qualifying items, the Texas Comptroller’s website should be consulted.
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[1] Texas Comptroller's Office - Sales Tax Holiday FAQs: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/faqs/faq_STH_2025.php [2] Texas Comptroller's Office - Sales Tax Holiday: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/sales_tax_holiday.php [3] Texas Comptroller's Office - Sales Tax Holiday: Purchases by Businesses: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/sales_tax_holiday/sales_tax_holiday_purchases_by_businesses.php [4] Texas Comptroller's Office - Sales Tax Holiday: Items Not Exempt: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/sales_tax_holiday/sales_tax_holiday_items_not_exempt.php [5] Texas Comptroller's Office - Sales Tax Holiday: Frequently Asked Questions: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/faqs/faq_STH_2025.php [6] Denton Record-Chronicle - Support Us: https://www.dentonrc.com/supportus/
In the context of the 2025 Texas sales tax holiday, home-and-garden stores may witness an increase in the purchase of backpacks as they qualify for the exemption, along with a variety of clothing and school supplies. Residents looking to redecorate their homes or update their lifestyle might consider taking advantage of this opportunity, as eligible items like backpacks, clothes, and school supplies will be exempt from sales tax.
