Texas’ tax-free weekend returns Aug. 7-9, giving back-to-school shoppers a chance to save up to 8.25% on qualifying clothing, footwear and school supplies.
NBC 5 Responds compiled a list of commonly overlooked items that qualify for the Texas tax-free weekend.
Items that qualify
The Texas Comptroller’s Office provides a full list of eligible products that are exempt from state and local sales tax, typically up to 8.25 percent. Shoppers are encouraged to review the list to confirm which items qualify.
Most clothing and footwear priced under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes school and employee uniforms, such as those worn by nurses, chefs, waitstaff, and first responders. Aprons and workout apparel are also exempt. Qualifying items also include Halloween costumes, bras, hosiery, pajamas and swimsuits.
Football jerseys priced under $100 qualify for the exemption, while protective sports equipment, including helmets, shoulder pads and football pants, remain taxable.
Price limits
Each qualifying item must cost less than $100 to be tax-free. While shoppers may spend more than $100 overall, each item must fall below the $100 threshold. For instance, several pairs of sneakers priced at $99.99 each would be tax-free, but a single $100 pair would not qualify.
Online shopping
Online orders qualify during Texas’ tax-free weekend even if they’re delivered after the holiday ends, as long as the purchase meets the state’s eligibility requirements.
Most retailers automatically apply the sales tax exemption at checkout for eligible items.
Shipping and handling charges count toward the $100 price limit.
For example, a $95 pair of jeans would be tax-free, but adding $5 in shipping would bring the total to $100, exceeding the threshold.
Customers should check the total sale price to confirm whether their purchase qualifies for the exemption.
Some stores may offer additional sales during the tax holiday. Click here to learn how to check price history and determine whether you’re getting a true deal.
How to track prices and get a good deal
Some retailers also advertise additional sales during Texas’ tax-free weekend. Before buying, shoppers can use price-history tools to determine whether a discount is genuine or simply reflects a temporary price change. NBC 5 Responds explains how to check price history before making a purchase.
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