August 10, 2025

Texas Tax-Free Weekend Begins for Back-to-School Shopping

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 set to kick off its annual sales tax holiday, providing families with an opportunity to save on essential back-to-school items. The tax-free weekend will begin at midnight on Friday, August 8, 2025, and conclude at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025. During this time, shoppers can enjoy savings of up to 8.25% on qualifying purchases, making it an ideal period for families preparing for the upcoming school year.

Details of the Tax-Free Holiday

The tax exemption covers a wide array of school necessities, including clothing, shoes, backpacks, and classroom supplies. Specific items that qualify for the exemption include:

Clothing
Shoes
Backpacks
Cowboy boots
Graduation gowns
Workout clothes
Football and baseball jerseys
Halloween costumes

It’s important to note that each qualifying item must cost less than $100 to be exempt from sales tax; the total purchase amount does not affect the exemption. Additionally, certain items do not qualify for the tax exemption, including:

Computers
Textbooks
Printers
Cleats
Helmets
Purses
Jewelry

Online Shopping Incentives

Online shoppers can also benefit from the tax-free weekend, as long as their payment is processed between August 8 and 10, and each qualifying item is under $100 after shipping fees.

Retail Performance and Trends

Local retailers are gearing up for the event, with some already experiencing high demand. For instance, J Byrd’s Boutique in Aledo has reported being sold out of boys’ backpacks and having limited availability for girls’ backpacks. This highlights the anticipation surrounding the tax-free weekend and the rush that shoppers often engage in for popular items.

In terms of spending, the National Retail Federation projects that families will spend an average of $858 on back-to-school products this year, a decrease from last year’s $874. Despite concerns about the economy, some retailers, like Walmart, have been able to keep prices stable or even lower them on select school supply items.

Shopping Strategies

With trends indicating that items such as sneakers, baggy jeans, and trendy tops are in high demand this year, parents are encouraged to start their shopping early to maximize their benefits during this busy weekend. Retailers may also cover tax costs for items priced under $100, further incentivizing shoppers to make their purchases during this weekend.

Additional Resources

The Texas Comptroller’s Office provides a comprehensive list of qualifying and non-qualifying items for this tax holiday, ensuring that shoppers are well-informed about their options. Notably, mall officials have reported an uptick in sales leading up to the tax-free weekend, with peak purchase volumes anticipated during the actual three-day event.

Families looking to save while preparing for the new school year should take advantage of this tax-free weekend, a valuable opportunity that combines essential shopping with financial savings. Arriving early and planning purchases wisely will help optimize the benefits during this popular shopping period.

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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.

STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

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