Tax-free weekend in now underway — the sales tax holiday is expected to bring millions of savings to Texas families.
The sales tax holiday runs from Friday, Aug. 7, through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9. Texans can purchase a wide range of items tax-free, including most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100.
Diapers — both cloth and disposable — are also exempt from sales tax, and certain sanitizers and wipes with a drug facts label are tax-free year-round, according to the Texas Comptroller Don Huffines.
The tax-free exemption applies whether shoppers buy items in stores, online, by telephone or by mail.
Here's what to know about Texas' tax-free weekend.
When does tax-free weekend start in Texas?
The tax-free weekend starts on Friday, Aug. 7 and runs through midnight
on Sunday, Aug. 9.
Is tax-free weekend online too?
Yes. During the holiday you can buy qualifying items in-store, online, by telephone, mail, custom order, or any other means, according to the Texas Comptroller. Just keep in mind, the sale of the item must take place during the specific period.
What about Amazon?
Yes, sales tax holidays may be applied to sales sold on Amazon.com and its affiliates, according to its website.
What items qualify as tax-free?
- Clothing and footwear: Find the full list of qualifying items here.
- School supplies: Find the full list of qualifying items here.
- Face masks: Cloth and disposable fabric.
- Backpacks: All backpacks under $100, including wheeled backpacks and messenger bags.
- Diapers — both cloth and disposable.
Does tax-free weekend apply to electronics?
Some electronics, such as calculators and writing tablets, do qualify, but keep in mind that items must be under $100. Click here for the full list of school supplies covered. Computers do not qualify.
What items do not qualify?
The following items do not qualify for exemption during the sales tax holiday:
- 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
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Is tax-free weekend online too? What Texas shoppers should know
