Texas Tax-Free Weekend runs for nine days in early August each year

Texas holds a tax-free weekend once per year, typically the first full weekend in August. In 2024, it runs August 2–11. The state suspends sales tax on certain clothing, footwear, school supplies, and computers during this period. You pay no state sales tax, and in most cases, no local sales tax either.

The exact dates shift slightly year to year because they are tied to the first Friday in August. The weekend itself is always included, but the state extends the period to nine days to give shoppers more time. You should check the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website each year to confirm the current dates, since they are announced in late spring.

Key Takeaways

  • Tax-free weekend in Texas covers nine days in early August and suspends sales tax on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and computers under certain price limits.
  • Clothing and footwear must be under $100 per item; school supplies must be under $100 per item; computers must be under $1,500.
  • The tax break applies to state sales tax and most local sales taxes, though a few municipalities have opted out.
  • Items like sports equipment, accessories, and clothing over the price limit are not covered, even during the tax-free period.

What items are covered and what price limits apply

The tax-free period covers four main categories, each with a price cap. Clothing and footwear under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, socks, and hats. Items over $100 are taxed normally, even if you buy them during the nine days.

School supplies under $100 per item are also covered. This means pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, binders, calculators, and backpacks. Art supplies used for school count if they are under the limit. Supplies over $100 per item do not may have access to.

Computers and certain computer equipment under $1,500 are tax-free. This includes desktop computers, laptops, and tablets used for school or work. Computer peripherals like keyboards, mice, and monitors are covered if they are sold as a bundle with the computer or if they are under $100 each. Printers and printer ink are not covered.

Items explicitly excluded include sports equipment, jewelry, watches, umbrellas, bags that are not backpacks, and clothing accessories like belts and scarves. Clothing and shoes used for sports or athletic activities are also taxed, even during the tax-free weekend.

Which cities and counties have opted out

Most of Texas honors the state tax-free weekend, but a small number of municipalities have chosen not to participate. These cities and counties still collect local sales tax on tax-free items during the nine-day period, even though the state tax is waived.

The list of non-participating jurisdictions changes occasionally. Before you shop, check the Texas Comptroller website or call your city or county tax office to confirm whether your area is participating. If your city has opted out, you will still save the state portion of the sales tax, but you will pay the local portion.

How the tax savings work at checkout

When you buy a may have access to item during tax-free weekend, the cashier removes the sales tax from your total at the register. You do not need a coupon, a special card, or a form. The store's point-of-sale system is programmed to recognize the dates and item categories.

Online purchases are more complicated. If you buy from a Texas retailer's website during tax-free weekend, the tax break may or may not apply depending on the retailer's system and where the item ships. Some online stores apply the tax-free rate automatically; others do not. Call the retailer or check their website before you order if you want to be certain.

Out-of-state retailers are not required to honor Texas tax-free weekend, even if they ship to Texas. If you order from a national retailer based outside Texas, you will likely pay sales tax regardless of the dates.

Planning your shopping to maximize savings

The tax savings depend on your local sales tax rate. In areas with 8.25% sales tax, a $100 item saves you $8.25. On a $1,500 computer, you save $123.75. If your area has a lower or higher rate, the savings scale accordingly. The state portion is always 6.25%, but local rates range from 0% to 2%.

If you are buying multiple items, add up the prices carefully to stay under the per-item limits. A $150 pair of shoes does not may have access to, but two pairs at $75 each do. Retailers cannot split items to get around the caps, but you can buy multiple items that each fall under the limit.

Back-to-school shopping is the main reason for the tax-free weekend. If you have children returning to school in August or September, this is the time to buy uniforms, shoes, and supplies. Parents often plan their shopping around these nine days to reduce the cost of school preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy items in person, or can I shop online?

You can shop online, but the tax break is not may provide. Texas retailers usually honor the tax-free dates on their websites, but out-of-state retailers are not required to. Check with the retailer before you order. In-person shopping at Texas stores is the most reliable way to get the tax break.

What if I buy an item that is $99.99 and the tax brings it over $100?

The price limit is the item's price before tax, not after. A $99.99 item qualifies even though tax would push the total higher. The $100 cap is based on the sticker price alone.

Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax refund?

Return policies are set by the store, not by the tax-free weekend program. If you return an item, the store refunds your purchase price, which already has no tax. You do not receive an additional tax refund because no tax was charged in the first place.

Are used or secondhand items covered during tax-free weekend?

Used items sold by retailers are covered if they meet the category and price requirements. Used items sold by individuals are not subject to sales tax anyway, so the tax-free weekend does not change anything for private sales.

What if my city opted out but I shop in a neighboring city that participates?

The tax rate depends on where the item is delivered or picked up, not where you live. If you buy from a store in a participating city and take the item with you, you pay that city's tax rate (or no local tax if they participate). Shipping to a non-participating city may result in that city's tax being applied instead.