Back-to-School Shopping Season is Here
It’s that time of the year again when kids are loading up on new items for their return to classrooms, lockers, and cafeterias.
Back-to-school shopping season is upon us, and that means parents will be hunting down the best options for clothing and supplies — and all within a budget.
Tax-Free Shopping Weekend in Texas
In Texas, residents can look forward to the tax-free shopping weekend — and this year it will be Aug. 8-10, according to the Texas comptroller. The Lone Star State has been offering tax-free weekends for more than 25 years for back-to-school.
The annual event, designed to offer tax relief for families needing to outfit their kids, applies to most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks. It’s for items selling for less than $100 and can save about 8%, depending on the jurisdiction and the location of the purchase.
How the Tax-Free Weekend Works
The tax-free weekend is a great opportunity for families to save money on back-to-school essentials. The savings apply to most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks, as long as the items are priced under $100. This means that families can stock up on everything from pencils and paper to new shoes and clothes, all while saving money on sales tax.
It’s worth noting that the tax-free weekend is not just limited to physical stores. Online sellers doing business in Texas also participate in the event, making it easy for families to shop from the comfort of their own homes.
Preparing for the Tax-Free Weekend
Already, the retail industry is readying for the event with major malls, including Stonebriar Centre in Frisco, highlighting the weekend on websites. Walmart lets Texans select a section on the website for the special days in August.
Families can start preparing for the tax-free weekend by making a list of the items they need to purchase. They can also check the websites of their favorite retailers to see what items will be included in the tax-free weekend and to plan their shopping trip.
Other States with Tax-Free Weekends
While it’s hardly new to locals, it’s not available everywhere. Nearly 20 states offer the sales tax break that’s focused on back-to-school shopping, according to NerdWallet. The amounts and timing of the tax-free days are different from state-to-state with some, including New Mexico and Alabama, having already held the tax-free holiday.
Families who live in states that do not offer a tax-free weekend can still take advantage of sales and discounts offered by retailers during the back-to-school shopping season.
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Conclusion
The tax-free weekend is a great opportunity for families to save money on back-to-school essentials. By planning ahead and taking advantage of the sales tax break, families can stock up on everything they need for the new school year while staying within their budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the tax-free weekend:
Q: When is the tax-free weekend in Texas?
A: The tax-free weekend in Texas is Aug. 8-10.
Q: What items are included in the tax-free weekend?
A: The tax-free weekend includes most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced under $100.
Q: Do online sellers participate in the tax-free weekend?
A: Yes, online sellers doing business in Texas participate in the tax-free weekend.
Q: How much can I save during the tax-free weekend?
A: You can save about 8% on sales tax during the tax-free weekend, depending on the jurisdiction and location of the purchase.
