News Summary
As the back-to-school season approaches, Texans are gearing up for the annual Sales Tax Holiday. From August 8-10, families can save on clothing, school supplies, and more, all priced under $100. This beloved tradition allows residents to shop tax-free, supporting local businesses and helping families prepare for the upcoming school year. Essential items like backpacks, shoes, and school supplies qualify for this exemption, but certain items will not. Planning your shopping around these dates is key to maximizing savings.
Texas is gearing up for its annual sales tax holiday scheduled from August 8 to August 10, 2025. This event, designed to ease the financial burden on families preparing for the upcoming school year, permits shoppers to purchase most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced at under $100 without incurring sales tax.
This year’s sales tax holiday allows residents to buy qualifying items either in-store or from online sellers operating within Texas. No exemption certificate is required for these purchases, which means that shoppers can directly enjoy the tax-free benefits without additional paperwork. However, it’s important to note that purchases made before or after the holiday window will not qualify for a tax exemption or tax refund, which underscores the necessity for savvy shoppers to plan their shopping accordingly.
Key eligible items for the sales tax holiday include a wide range of products such as backpacks (up to 10), various clothing articles, shoes, and essential school supplies, including items like crayons and calculators. One of the appealing aspects of this holiday is that there is no limit on the number of qualifying items that can be purchased tax-free within the designated period, offering families the flexibility to stock up on everything needed for the school year.
However, certain items are excluded from the tax-free purchases, including accessories such as handbags, wallets, and jewelry, as well as computers, software, and textbooks. Shoppers should also be mindful that any shipping, delivery, and handling charges must be factored into the total purchase price, which must not exceed $100 to qualify for tax exemption.
The sales tax holiday not only provides financial relief for families but also serves to stimulate the Texas economy by boosting local businesses during a peak shopping time. It is anticipated that many Texan families will be taking advantage of this opportunity to maximize their savings.
To assist parents in this time of purchasing, schools and districts are expected to provide supply lists detailing needed items for students. These lists will aid parents in making informed choices and ensuring that they acquire the correct supplies for the upcoming school year.
While the Texas sales tax holiday is a momentous occasion for families, it is worthwhile to stay informed of other upcoming tax deadlines. For instance, insurers were issued invoices for the Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Fund Assessment at the end of May, with payments required by August 1, 2025. Additionally, companies insuring motor vehicles must submit their Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Fee Report by the same date to maintain compliance.
Furthermore, franchise tax reports had a deadline of May 15, 2025, but many taxpayers have yet to fulfill this obligation. Organizations that miss the deadline may face the loss of their right to transact business in Texas. Starting mid-August, the Texas Comptroller’s office will initiate notifications to entities that fail to meet their franchise tax requirements.
In tandem with the sales tax holiday, the Texas Comptroller’s office has been active in conducting educational webinars and tutorials aimed at aiding taxpayers in efficient filing and payment of taxes. The forthcoming edition of Tax Policy News in August will also feature important legislative updates from the 89th Legislative Session, further keeping residents informed about tax policies in the state.
As Texas prepares for the back-to-school rush, families are encouraged to take advantage of the upcoming sales tax holiday from August 8-10, 2025, an opportunity for substantial savings during a critical shopping period.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Statesman: Texas Tax-Free Weekend 2025
- Star-Telegram: Texas Tax Holiday Details
- KXAN: Texas Sales Tax Holiday on Emergency Supplies
- NBC DFW: Texas Emergency Preparation Supplies Tax Holiday
- Wikipedia: Sales Tax in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos 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 Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
