MINEOLA, Texas (EAST TEXAS NEWS) – A wide range of items in Texas stores, both in-person and online, will be exempt from sales tax this weekend, from Friday, August 8, through midnight on Sunday, August 10.
The exempt items include clothing, footwear, school supplies, backpacks, and masks. Each item must cost less than $100 and must be purchased in Texas to qualify. If you shop online, the price must also be under $100, including shipping, handling, and delivery charges.
The tax holiday will support both higher-traffic businesses and shoppers, particularly teachers and parents preparing for the back-to-school season.
“This is definitely the weekend to get out there and score some good deals,” says Deborah Armstrong, a Physics teacher at Mineola High School with 20 years of teaching experience. “Every penny counts, especially in our current market, and with things so limited, any savings will help.”
Armstrong tends to stock up on school supplies quickly and must replenish consumables each year before the school year begins. She also advises parents to buy similarly sized items to prepare.
“The most important things that will be used again and again, like paper, notebooks, folders, pencils, and pens,” Armstrong explains.
Based on Armstrong’s experience, the sales tax exemption leads to a noticeable surge in shoppers over the weekend, so it’s important to plan for crowds before you head out to shop.
“Usually, I’d say there are about twice as many people due to the tax exemption, and they know they’re going to get a bit cheaper,” she recalls.
You can check the full list of items exempt from the sales tax this weekend on the Texas Comptroller’s website. The site’s dropdown menus will include specific items that are exempt or not exempt during the holiday.
