Get ready! Texas' tax-free weekend for back-to-school shopping begins August 9.
Texas Tax-Free Weekend is a sales tax holiday that helps families save on essential back-to-school shopping for their children. Although it's mostly focused on getting ready for the new school year (applies to most clothing, shoes, school supplies, and backpacks under $100), it can be a great opportunity for anyone looking to refresh their wardrobe.
Don't you live in Texas? Check out the full list of tax-free weekends in other states for 2024.
When is tax-free weekend in Texas?
This year's 2024 Summer Texas Tax Free Weekend runs from Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11. So consider it your last shopping hour before school starts.
Since Texas technically has three tax-free weekends per year (two in the spring and one in the summer), you actually have more than one weekend to save on throughout the year. The spring 2024 tax-free weekend is over, so expect emergency preparedness and ENERGY STAR items for spring 2025. If you're looking to buy exempt products to save on spring sales, it's good to know the other two as well.
- Texas Sales Tax Exemption for Back to School: This Texas Tax Free Weekend is offered during the back to school shopping season and runs from August 9-11, 2024.
- Emergency Preparation Supplies The sales tax holiday is an opportunity to save money on preparing your home in case of storm, flood or fire damage. It took place from April 27 to Monday, April 29, 2024.
- The ENERGY STAR sales tax holiday is a time when you can purchase unlimited amounts of eligible products, including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, light bulbs, dishwashers, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers and more. It took place from May 25 to May 27, 2024.
Here's everything you need to know about Texas' 2024 Back-to-School Tax Free Weekend this summer. You can mark your calendars and learn how to save as much as possible on back-to-school supplies.
What is Texas Tax Free Weekend?
Texas Tax-Free Weekend is an annual summer sales tax holiday focused on tax-free items for back-to-school shopping. The goal is not only to help people save, but also to inspire residents to get out and support Texas businesses. Keep your spending limit under $100 to benefit necessities rather than luxuries. The spring tax-free weekend is dedicated to helping Texans prepare for storms and invest in adding energy-saving appliances.
How do you save during Texas Tax Free Weekend?
Save on Texas state sales tax (6.25%) and local taxes (varies) when you shop eligible items from Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11, 2024, but the maximum is 8.25% combined with Texas state tax. You don't have to ask anything to get the discount. It will be automatically deducted at checkout or online payment.
After all, 8.25% isn't a huge discount, so make the most of the best back-to-school sales and promo codes, as well as cashback offers when you shop online. If you use your card correctly, in addition to the sales tax exemption, you'll also accumulate promo codes or discounts in addition to cashback benefits.
What is included in Texas Tax Free Weekend?
The following items are eligible for tax exemption:
- Shoes under $100: Boat shoes, cross trainers, dress shoes, hiking shoes, cowboy boots, slippers, jelly shoes, running sneakers, safety shoes, sandals, slippers, tennis shoes, walking shoes.
- Clothing under $100: Jackets, jeans, dresses, jogging clothing, baby clothing, hunting and fishing vests, blouses, shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, tennis clothing, pants, underwear, pajamas, golf clothing, scout uniforms, sportswear and raincoats.
- Accessories under $100: Baseball caps, rain hats, bow ties, neckties, children's backpacks, belts, leather gloves, winter hats, scarves, shawls and wraps.
- School supplies under $100: Binder, chalk, school bag, calculator, cellophane tape, compass, composition book, crayon, eraser, folder, glue, highlighter, index card, school supply kit, legal pad, lunch box, marker, notebook, paper, pencil case, pencil sharpener, pencil, Pen, protractor, ruler, scissors and writing utensils.
What popular items are still taxable during Texas Tax Free Weekend?
Some popular items are not tax-free. You still have to pay tax on the following (see full list of exclusions):
- part: Hair accessories, jewelry, wallets, handbags, gym bags, wallets, watches, gardening gloves.
- Sports clothing and equipment: Baseball pants, football pants, helmets, hockey gloves, shoulder pads, ski suits, life jackets, pads, chest protectors, water ski vests, wet and dry suits.
- Sports shoes: Baseball cleats, soccer cleats, tap dancing, water sports products, skates, ski boots, bowling shoes, cleated hiking boots, waterproof fishing shoes and overshoes.
Can I shop online for tax-free weekends in Texas?
Yes, you can shop Texas Tax Free Weekend online if your purchase is officially purchased and payment is processed within 3 days from 12:01 AM on August 9, 2024 to 11:59 PM on August 11, 2024. can. Specifically, your order must be processed and billed within that time period, but this does not mean you must receive the item before the end of the tax-free weekend.
So how do retailers know if you're shopping online from Texas and therefore eligible for the Texas tax-free weekend? It all comes down to the shipping address. If you entered a Texas shipping address on your order, taxes were automatically waived.
- Watch out for shipping and handling fees when purchasing online. For online purchases, shipping and handling charges are added to the item and considered part of the total item price. So even if the jacket costs $95, an additional $7 shipping and handling fee will be added, making the jacket $102, meaning the jacket no longer qualifies as tax-free because it costs more than $100.
Can I use Layaway during Texas Tax Free Weekend?
Yes, you can save on discounted items during Texas Tax Free Weekend. If you make final payment for items already cleared over the weekend or select items to be cleared, that payment will be tax-exempt.
Are coupons accepted during Texas Tax Free Weekend?
Yes, coupons are accepted during Texas Tax Free Weekend. But as with any coupon, be sure to read the fine print. Also, expect lots of sales as Texas retailers and Texas online sellers compete for your business. Check out the best back-to-school coupon deals at Target and Walmart.
Can I return or exchange items during the Texas Tax Free Weekend?
Yes, you can return or exchange items during the Texas tax holiday, but be sure to have your original receipt. To receive a full refund for items purchased before the tax holiday, you must provide proof of payment of taxes along with a valid receipt. If the exchange is for the same product (different size, color), no tax will be charged. However, if you exchange an item for another item after the tax exemption period, sales tax will be charged on the new item.
If I was taxed during the tax holiday period, can I request a refund of the tax I paid?
Yes, you can receive a refund of the tax you paid if the items you purchased during the tax-free weekend are exempt. Your refund may come directly from the seller, or the seller may provide you with Form 00-985 and ask you to file a refund with the Texas Comptroller's Office.
The post Texas Tax Free Weekend 2024: What You Need to Know and How to Shop first appeared on RetailMeNot's The Real Deal.
