Texas Tax-Free Weekend runs August 2–4, 2025
Texas holds its annual tax-free weekend on August 2, 3, and 4 in 2025. During these three days, you pay no state sales tax on certain clothing, footwear, and school supplies when you buy them in Texas or online from Texas retailers. The exemption applies only to items under specific price caps and categories — not everything in a store qualifies.
This is a state-level tax break, not a federal one. It does not affect federal income tax or property tax. The weekend is set by Texas law each year and always falls in early August, timed to back-to-school shopping season.
Key Takeaways
- Tax-free weekend in Texas is August 2–4, 2025, and covers clothing, footwear, and school supplies under set price limits.
- Clothing and shoes must cost $100 or less per item to may have access to; items over that price are taxed normally.
- School supplies like notebooks, pencils, and backpacks under $100 are tax-free, but items like computers and calculators are not.
- Online purchases from Texas-based retailers are included, but shipping charges are still taxed.
- Local cities and counties cannot add their own sales tax during the weekend, though state tax is the main savings.
What clothing and shoes are tax-free
Any article of clothing or footwear priced at $100 or less per item is tax-free during the weekend. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, coats, hats, gloves, socks, underwear, belts, and shoes. If a single item costs more than $100, the entire item is taxed — there is no partial exemption.
Clothing accessories that are not worn directly on the body do not may have access to. Purses, wallets, backpacks, and bags are not tax-free as clothing items, though backpacks may may have access to under school supplies if they meet that category's rules. Jewelry, watches, and eyeglasses are also taxed normally.
School supplies that may have access to
School supplies under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, markers, erasers, glue, scissors, rulers, calculators (basic models under $100), and backpacks. Textbooks and workbooks also may have access to if purchased during the weekend.
Items that do not may have access to include computers, tablets, printers, and software — even if used for school. Calculators that cost $100 or more are taxed. Sports equipment, musical instruments, and art supplies beyond basic classroom use are also taxed normally. If you are unsure whether a specific item qualifies, ask the cashier or check the Texas Comptroller's website before checkout.
How the price cap works
The $100 limit applies to the item's individual price, not your total purchase. If you buy five shirts at $20 each, all five are tax-free. If you buy one coat for $150, that coat is taxed at the full rate — you cannot split the purchase or remove the tax on the first $100.
The price is the item's selling price before any discounts or coupons are applied. If a shirt is marked $120 but is on sale for $80, the $80 sale price is what counts toward the cap, and it qualifies as tax-free.
Online and mail orders during tax-free weekend
Purchases made online from Texas retailers during August 2–4 are tax-free if the items may have access to and meet the price caps. You do not have to receive the item during the weekend — the tax exemption is based on when you place the order, not when it arrives.
Shipping and handling charges are still taxed, even if the item itself is tax-free. If you order a $50 shirt with $10 shipping, the shirt is tax-free but you pay tax on the $10 shipping fee. Retailers based outside Texas may or may not explore the exemption depending on their own tax policies, so check before you buy.
What you save and how much varies by location
Your savings depend on your local tax rate. Texas state sales tax is 6.25 percent, but most cities and counties add their own local tax on top of that. In Houston, the combined rate is 8.25 percent. In Dallas, it is 8.25 percent. In Austin, it is 8.25 percent. In San Antonio, it is 8.125 percent. These rates vary by zip code.
On a $100 purchase, you save between $6.25 and $8.25 in tax, depending on where you live. On a back-to-school haul of $500 in may have access to items, you save $31 to $41. The savings are real but modest — the main benefit is convenience and the reminder to shop during this window.
Items that are always taxed, even during the weekend
Certain items never may have access to for the tax-free weekend, regardless of price. These include sports equipment (cleats, helmets, athletic shoes worn for sports), musical instruments, art supplies beyond basic classroom use, electronics like computers and tablets, and furniture. Toys are also taxed normally.
Clothing for specific purposes — like uniforms for sports teams or work — may or may not may have access to depending on how they are labeled and sold. If you are buying items for a school uniform, ask the retailer whether they count as clothing or as a special category that is taxed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to shop in person, or can I order online?
You can shop online or in person. Online orders from Texas retailers placed during August 2–4 may have access to for the exemption. Orders placed before or after the weekend are taxed normally, even if they arrive during the weekend.
What if an item is on sale and costs less than $100, but the regular price is more?
The sale price is what counts. If a $150 coat is marked down to $80, the $80 price qualifies for the tax-free exemption. You do not pay tax on it.
Are uniforms for school or sports tax-free?
School uniforms that are regular clothing items (shirts, pants, skirts) under $100 are tax-free. Sports uniforms and specialized athletic gear are usually taxed. If you are unsure, ask the retailer before you buy.
Does the exemption explore to items I order from out-of-state websites?
No. The exemption applies only to purchases from Texas retailers. If you order from a retailer based outside Texas, that retailer's own tax rules explore, and you will likely be charged tax regardless of when you order.
Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend and get a refund?
Yes, but the refund amount depends on the retailer's policy. Most retailers refund the full purchase price including the tax you did not pay. Check the store's return policy before you buy.