Texas shoppers will have an opportunity to save on back-to-school purchases during the state’s annual Sales Tax Holiday, which takes place the second weekend in August.
During the three-day event, qualifying clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks can be purchased without paying the state’s 6.25% sales tax, provided each eligible item costs less than $100.
The Texas Comptroller’s Office encourages shoppers to support Texas businesses while taking advantage of the annual tax break.
When Is Texas Tax-Free Weekend?
The 2026 Sales Tax Holiday begins Friday, August 7, and continues through midnight on Sunday, August 9.
The tax exemption applies only to qualifying purchases made during that period. Items purchased before or after the holiday are subject to sales tax.
What Items Qualify?
Most clothing, footwear, and certain school supplies priced under $100 qualify for the tax exemption. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items shoppers can purchase.
For example, two shirts priced at $80 each both qualify because each individual item costs less than $100, even though the total purchase exceeds $100.
Student backpacks costing less than $100 also qualify. The exemption includes wheeled backpacks and messenger bags, and shoppers may purchase up to 10 qualifying backpacks at one time without needing an exemption certificate.
Cloth and disposable fabric face masks also qualify as clothing. However, industrial or medical-grade masks, such as N95 respirators and other personal protective equipment, do not qualify.
What Does Not Qualify?
Some items are excluded from the Sales Tax Holiday, including:
- Clothing or footwear priced at $100 or more per item
- Clothing subscription boxes
- Protective or sport-specific equipment, such as football pads and golf cleats
- Clothing alterations, rentals and cleaning services
- Fabric, thread, buttons, zippers and other clothing repair materials
- Jewelry, handbags, purses, wallets, watches and umbrellas
- Computers and software
- Textbooks
- Framed backpacks
- Luggage
- Briefcases
- Athletic, duffle and gym bags
- Computer bags
While golf cleats and football pads are taxable, everyday athletic clothing such as tennis shoes, jogging suits and swimsuits generally qualify because they can be worn outside athletic activities.
How Online Purchases Work
Eligible items purchased online, by telephone, by mail or through catalog orders also qualify for the tax exemption, as long as payment is completed during the Sales Tax Holiday.
For example, an online order placed and successfully paid for on Sunday, August 9, qualifies even if the items are not shipped or delivered until several days later.
However, if payment is declined during the holiday and successfully processed after the holiday ends, the purchase becomes taxable.
Shipping Charges Can Affect Eligibility
Shoppers should pay close attention to shipping and delivery charges. If shipping or handling costs are included in the price of an individual item, they count toward the $100 limit.
For example, a pair of jeans priced at $95 with a $10 shipping charge has a total sales price of $105, making the purchase ineligible for the tax exemption.
Layaways And Special Orders
Qualifying items can still receive the tax exemption if shoppers:
- Make the final payment on an item already on layaway during the holiday.
- Place an eligible item on layaway during the holiday.
- Pay for a qualifying special-order item during the holiday, even if it is delivered later.
Rain checks and special orders do not qualify if payment is not completed during the Sales Tax Holiday.
Business Purchases Have Different Rules
Businesses purchasing qualifying school supplies using a business credit card, business check, or business account must provide a completed Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate to receive the exemption.
What If You’re Charged Sales Tax?
If a retailer mistakenly charges sales tax on a qualifying purchase made during the Sales Tax Holiday, shoppers can request a refund from the seller.
If the retailer declines, the seller may provide Form 00-985, Assignment to Right to Refund, allowing the customer to file a refund claim directly with the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
Planning Ahead
The Sales Tax Holiday is one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year as families prepare for the upcoming school year.
Before heading to stores or shopping online, consumers may want to review the Texas Comptroller’s official lists of qualifying clothing and school supplies to ensure their purchases are eligible for the tax exemption.
The Texas Comptroller’s website also has instructions for sellers concerning advertising sales and reporting taxes related to the holiday.
Provided by Dallas Express
