Hurray! Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes on August 16-18, 2013 - the state's annual sales tax holiday. Lay-away plans can be used again this year to take advantage of the sales tax holiday. This is great for back-to-school shopping. Some states (Arizona) don't participate in the tax-free holiday.
The law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, saving hoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. Other tax-free items include school supplies under $100 and backpacks under $100 for elementary and secondary students.
Tax-Free Items
Tax free items include everything from baby clothes and diapers to dresses and t-shirts. Undergarments, swimsuits, jeans, pants, skirts and slacks are tax-free items. So are sneakers, sandals and socks. Sweaters and sweatshirts are not taxed either; not that you'll need them right now.
Taxed
Taxable items tend to be the more specialized, less necessary items of clothing such as jewelry, hair accessories, purses, football pants and golf gloves. Regular shoes (sandals, slippers, sneakers) are exempt, but cleated shoes, fishing boots and ballet slippers are not. A more complete list of exempt and non-exempt items can be found on the state of Texas website.
School Supplies
The Texas Legislature passed HB 1801 (2009) expanding the list of items qualifying for exemption from Texas state and local sales and use taxes during the annual sales tax holiday in August. In addition to clothes, footwear and some backpacks, this year Texas families also 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. Items like pencils, pens, folders, calculators, crayons and glue are tax free. Backpacks under $100 and used by elementary and secondary students are also exempt.
A complete list of tax-free items is available.
The 2013 Tax-Free Weekend is August 16-18.