Mark your calendars, Texas families! The 2025 Texas Sales Tax Holiday is happening August 8-10, and it’s the perfect time to stock up on back-to-school essentials without paying sales tax. Whether you’re shopping for new clothes, school supplies, or backpacks, this weekend can lead to big savings - especially for parents preparing for the upcoming school year.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Tax-Free Weekend - including what qualifies, what doesn’t, and how to shop smart (in-store and online!).

🛍️ What Is the Texas Tax-Free Weekend?

Each year, the Texas Comptroller designates a weekend in August where shoppers don’t pay sales tax on qualifying back-to-school items. That means you can save around 8.25% on most clothing, shoes, backpacks, and school suppliespriced under $100.

This year’s Sales Tax Holiday runs Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10, 2025.

What Items Qualify?

To get the tax exemption, each item must be under $100—but there’s no limit to how many qualifying items you can buy!

Clothing & Footwear (Each Item < $100)

• T-shirts, jeans, pants, dresses, skirts
• Socks, underwear, shoes, sandals, sneakers
• School uniforms
• Baby clothes and bibs
• Swimsuits and jogging outfits
• Cloth or disposable face masks

🛑 Note: Athletic gear designed for a specific sport (e.g., football pads, cleats) and accessories like jewelry, purses, and watches DO NOT qualify.

Backpacks (Each Item < $100)

• Standard student backpacks (up to 10 per purchase)
• Messenger bags and rolling backpacks

🛑 Luggage, framed backpacks, and duffel/gym bags are NOT included.

School Supplies (Each Item < $100)

Only specific supplies qualify, including:

• Binders, folders, notebooks
• Pencils, pens, highlighters, markers
• Crayons, glue, scissors, erasers
• Rulers, calculators, lunch boxes

✅ Full List of Tax-Free School Supplies is available here.

How to Shop Tax-Free (Online, Too!)

Yes, you can shop online, by phone, or in-store—as long as the purchase is completed between 12:01 AM Friday, August 8 and 11:59 PM Sunday, August 10. For online purchases, make sure the payment is processed during this window, even if the item is delivered later.

Who Benefits Most?

Tax-Free Weekend is especially helpful for:

• Families with school-aged kids
• Teachers buying supplies for the classroom
• College students prepping dorm essentials
• Parents stocking up on fall and winter clothing

Support Local!

Many local businesses participate in Tax-Free Weekend, so it’s a great chance to shop local and save. Whether it’s a boutique in Humble, a sporting goods shop in Spring, or a kid’s clothing store in Kingwood - check in with your favorite neighborhood retailers.

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