It’s time for back-to-school shopping! With inflation continuing to rise, you may be worried about crossing everything off your child’s school supplies list without going over budget, but relief is coming soon with this year’s sales tax holiday.
Texas’ tax-free weekend begins Friday, August 5th, and ends on Sunday, August 7th. Taking advantage of the deals and sales tax exemption can help stretch your money. Before you start adding items to your cart, you’ll want to know what items qualify for tax-free status.
What items are tax-free?
Shoppers will have taxes waived on clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks sold individually under $100.
Which items are NOT tax-free?
Unfortunately, not everything is tax-free. Items such as jewelry, purses, computers, software, textbooks, and athletic or computer bags do not qualify for tax-free savings.
Where can I shop?
Shoppers can buy items in stores or online. Doing your back-to-school shopping online can save you time but there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind in order to have the taxes waived.
Purchases made online Sunday, August 7th at 11 p.m. may be charged as taxable purchases if a merchant accepts the payment on August 8. We recommend completing your online shopping earlier to avoid missing the tax-free holiday window.
Shipping costs are part of the item’s total sale price so if you’re shopping online, make sure to keep this total under $100 to avoid sales tax.
Does a Tax-Free Weekend Save You Money?
You can expect to save about $8 for every $100 spent during tax-free weekends. While this may not seem like much, your savings could add up depending on how much supplies you’re expecting to buy.
Remember, just because it’s a tax-free weekend doesn’t mean you’ll automatically save money. Try searching for coupons and other sales to maximize your savings. For more information on qualifying items, refunds and more, visit the Texas Comptroller’s website.
No matter when you shop, the back-to-school season comes with a large price tag. Using your AFFCU Visa Debit or Credit Card at checkout could help you save money every time you swipe.
