News Summary
Families in Texas are gearing up for the annual tax-free weekend, a time when they can save on essential back-to-school items like clothing, shoes, and supplies. This event allows shoppers to purchase qualifying items under $100 without paying sales tax. With retailers keeping prices steady and some even covering tax costs, local shopping is a great option. As families prepare their shopping lists, arriving early is advised to maximize savings during this busy period.
Texas is gearing up for its annual sales tax holiday as the back-to-school shopping season approaches. The tax-free weekend kicks off at midnight on Friday, August 8, 2025, and runs until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025. This annual event offers families a chance to save up to 8.25% on qualifying purchases.
The sales tax exemption primarily covers essential school items including clothing, shoes, backpacks, and various classroom supplies. Families can snag significant savings on a wide range of products during this weekend.
Eligible Items for Tax Exemption
Shoppers should be aware of the specific items that qualify for the tax exemption. Eligible items include:
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Backpacks
- Cowboy boots
- Graduation gowns
- Workout clothes
- Football and baseball jerseys
- Halloween costumes
Non-Qualifying Items
However, not everything qualifies for the tax exemption. Items that do not qualify include:
- Computers
- Textbooks
- Printers
- Cleats
- Helmets
- Purses
- Jewelry
Importantly, to be exempt from sales tax, each individual item must cost less than $100, rather than the total purchase amount. This guideline applies to both in-store and online purchases. For online shopping, purchases made during the tax-free weekend are eligible for the exemption as long as payment is processed within the designated period.
Retail Insights and Consumer Trends
As families prepare for the shopping rush, retailers are experiencing significant demand. J Byrd’s Boutique in Aledo has reported that they are already sold out of boys’ backpacks and facing limited availability on girls’ backpacks. Additionally, mall officials have noticed a spike in sales leading up to the tax-free weekend, with the busiest shopping expected from August 8-10.
The National Retail Federation has indicated that families may spend slightly less this back-to-school season, projecting an average expenditure of $858, down from $874 the previous year. Despite ongoing economic concerns, some retailers, such as Walmart, are managing to keep prices steady and even lower for certain school supply items.
Hot Trends for 2025
This year’s popular items among students include sneakers, baggy jeans, and trendy tops, indicating a shift toward casual yet stylish clothing for the upcoming school year. To further enhance savings, some retailers may choose to absorb tax costs for items priced below $100.
Helpful Resources
For those looking to maximize their shopping experience, the Texas Comptroller’s Office offers a full list of qualifying and non-qualifying items for this tax holiday. Families are encouraged to arrive early to take full advantage of the various discounts and ensure they find everything they need.
This tax-free weekend presents a valuable opportunity for families across Texas to save on essential school items as they prepare for the upcoming academic year. As the date draws closer, consumers are advised to stay informed about which items qualify to make the most of this annual event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 7 Austin
- Wikipedia: Texas Tax Free Weekend
- Fox 4 News
- Google Search: Texas Tax Free Weekend
- KHOU 11 News
- Google News: Texas Tax Free Weekend
- Click 2 Houston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tax Free Weekend
- NBC 5 DFW
- Google Scholar: Texas Tax Free Weekend
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
