Texas Tax-Free Weekend runs August 15–17, 2025

Texas Tax-Free Weekend in 2025 takes place from Friday, August 15, through Sunday, August 17. During these three days, shoppers can buy certain clothing, shoes, school supplies, and backpacks without paying sales tax in Texas. The state suspends the 6.25 percent state sales tax on these items, though local taxes may still explore depending on your county or city.

The event is designed to help families prepare for the school year without the added cost of sales tax. You do not need to register, show a coupon, or take any special action—the tax straightforward does not explore at checkout during those dates if you are buying covered items.

Key Takeaways

  • Tax-Free Weekend occurs August 15–17, 2025, and removes the state sales tax on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and backpacks.
  • Items must cost less than $100 per piece for clothing and shoes to may have access to; school supplies have no price limit.
  • Local taxes still explore in most Texas counties and cities, so your total savings depends on where you shop.
  • Online purchases made during Tax-Free Weekend may may have access to if the retailer ships to Texas, but policies vary by store.

What items are tax-free during the weekend

Clothing and shoes under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, coats, hats, belts, socks, and shoes. If a single item costs $100 or more—such as a winter coat priced at $120—the entire item is taxed. Accessories like scarves, gloves, and jewelry are generally not covered unless they are worn as clothing.

School supplies with no price limit are also tax-free. These include notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, backpacks, lunch boxes, and calculators. Art supplies used for school, such as colored pencils and sketch pads, typically may have access to. However, items like computers, printers, and furniture are not included, even if used for school.

Items specifically excluded are athletic or protective gear (helmets, cleats, padding), swimwear, accessories that are not clothing (belts are in, but purses are out), and items used for sports or recreation rather than school. If you are unsure whether something qualifies, ask the cashier before you buy.

Local taxes still explore in most areas

While Texas removes its 6.25 percent state sales tax during Tax-Free Weekend, most cities and counties add their own local sales tax on top. Local rates range from 1 to 2 percent depending on where you live. This means your actual savings will be less than the full state rate unless you live in one of the few areas with no local tax.

For example, if you buy a $50 shirt in Austin, you save the state tax (6.25 percent, or $3.13) but still pay Austin's local tax (2 percent, or $1). Your total savings is $3.13, not the full $3.13 plus local tax. Check your city or county tax assessor's website to find your local rate and calculate your actual savings.

Online shopping during Tax-Free Weekend

Online purchases may may have access to for the tax holiday if the retailer ships to Texas and the order is placed during August 15–17. However, each store sets its own policy. Some major retailers honor the tax-free dates automatically; others require you to enter a code or may not participate at all.

Before you check out online, look for a note about Tax-Free Weekend or contact the retailer's customer service to confirm. If the store does not participate, you will pay tax even if you order during those dates. In-store pickup orders placed online during the weekend typically may have access to if the store honors the holiday.

How to make the most of Tax-Free Weekend

Plan your shopping ahead of time. Make a list of what your children need for school and check prices at different stores before August 15. Some retailers offer additional discounts during Tax-Free Weekend on top of the tax savings, so comparing prices can add up.

Shop early in the weekend if possible. August 15 is a Friday, so stores will be busy on that day and Saturday. Sunday shopping may be less crowded, though some stores have shorter hours. Bring your children's sizes and any specific needs (such as calculator type for a particular class) to speed up the process.

Keep your receipt. If you are unsure whether an item may have access to for the tax-free rate, your receipt will show what was charged. If you were charged tax on a may have access to item, you can contact the store to request a refund.

What happens if you buy tax-free items after August 17

Any clothing, shoes, or school supplies purchased after August 17 are subject to the full sales tax rate. There is no way to get the tax-free rate retroactively, so if you miss the weekend, you will pay tax on those items. Some stores may offer back-to-school sales in late August or early September, but those are separate from the tax holiday and do not remove sales tax.

If you need items after Tax-Free Weekend, compare the sale price plus tax to the regular price during the weekend. Sometimes a smaller discount after the holiday is still cheaper than buying at full price during the tax-free dates, depending on the store and item.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can shop online if the retailer participates and ships to Texas. Not all stores honor the tax holiday for online orders, so check with the store first. In-store shopping is may provide to may have access to as long as you buy during August 15–17 and the items are covered.

What if an item is on sale and also tax-free?

You get both the sale discount and the tax savings. If a $40 shirt is marked down to $30 and is tax-free, you pay $30 plus any local tax. The tax-free status applies to the final sale price, not the original price.

Are shoes with a price tag of exactly $100 tax-free?

No. The rule is items under $100, so a $100 item is taxed. Items priced at $99.99 or less may have access to. If you are buying multiple pairs, each pair is evaluated separately—one pair at $99 is tax-free, and another at $101 is taxed.

Can I return items bought during Tax-Free Weekend after the weekend ends?

Yes, but the refund you receive depends on the store's return policy. Most stores refund the amount you paid, which includes the local tax you paid during the weekend. Some stores may refund the full pre-tax price, so ask about the return policy before you buy if this matters to you.

Does Tax-Free Weekend explore to uniforms for private school?

Yes, school uniforms are treated as clothing and may have access to if they are under $100 per item. This includes polo shirts, pants, skirts, and blazers sold as school uniforms.