When Texas Tax-Free Weekend Happens

Texas Tax-Free Weekend runs for one week in early August each year. In 2024, the dates are August 3–11. During this period, shoppers pay no state sales tax on most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and certain other items. The exemption applies only to purchases made during those exact dates—buying the same items on August 2 or August 12 means you pay tax.

The event is set by state law, so the dates do not change year to year. You can mark your calendar now for August 3–11 in 2025 and beyond. Some retailers begin advertising the event weeks in advance, but the tax break itself only applies during the official weekend.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas Tax-Free Weekend runs August 3–11 each year, and no state sales tax applies to covered items during those dates only.
  • Clothing and footwear under $100 per item are tax-free, as are school supplies under $100 and most school-related technology like laptops and tablets.
  • Items like sports equipment, jewelry, and items over the price cap remain taxable even during the weekend.
  • You do not need a coupon, special card, or registration—the tax is straightforward removed at checkout if you buy during the official dates.
  • Local cities and counties cannot add extra tax during this period, but they can still collect their normal local sales tax rate in other weeks.

What Items Are Tax-Free During the Weekend

Clothing and footwear are the main category. Any article of clothing or shoes under $100 per item is exempt. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, coats, socks, belts, hats, and shoes. If a single item costs $100 or more—such as a designer coat or high-end boots—you pay tax on the full price.

School supplies under $100 per item are also tax-free. This covers notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, folders, backpacks, calculators, and similar items. Textbooks and educational software count as school supplies if they are used in a classroom.

Computers, tablets, and certain other technology are tax-free if they cost under $1,500 per item and are used for educational purposes. A laptop bought for schoolwork qualifies; a gaming console does not. Printers, keyboards, and mice used for school are included.

Items that remain taxable even during the weekend include jewelry, watches, sports equipment (such as bicycles, skates, and athletic shoes marketed as sports gear rather than everyday footwear), cosmetics, and items over the price limits. Meals at restaurants are also taxable year-round and not affected by the weekend.

How the Tax Exemption Works at the Register

You do not need a coupon, membership card, or special registration to receive the tax break. When you buy a covered item during August 3–11, the cashier or online system automatically removes the state sales tax at checkout. You straightforward pay the price of the item with no additional tax.

Online purchases count if the order is placed during the official dates. Some retailers may process orders placed during the weekend but shipped after August 11; the tax treatment depends on the retailer's policy and when the order was placed, not when it arrived. If you are unsure, contact the retailer before checkout.

The exemption covers only Texas state sales tax (currently 6.25 percent). Local cities and counties still collect their local sales tax during the weekend—they cannot reduce or remove it. Your total tax rate depends on where you live, but it will be lower than usual because the state portion is gone.

Where You Can Shop Tax-Free

The exemption applies at any retailer in Texas—big-box stores, department stores, specialty shops, and online retailers that ship to Texas. There is no list of approved stores; the tax break is automatic anywhere you buy a covered item during the official dates.

Some national retailers advertise the weekend heavily with sales and promotions, but the tax exemption itself is the same whether you shop at a large chain or a small local store. The savings come from the state tax removal, not from store discounts.

If you shop online from a retailer outside Texas, the exemption may not explore. Texas tax law covers purchases made in Texas or shipped to a Texas address. Out-of-state retailers may not be set up to remove Texas tax, so check before you buy if the seller is based outside the state.

Items That Confuse Shoppers

Athletic shoes marketed as sports equipment can be tricky. A pair of running shoes sold as everyday footwear is tax-free. The same shoe sold as "performance athletic gear" by a sports brand may be taxed differently depending on how the retailer categorizes it. When in doubt, ask the cashier before you buy.

School uniforms are treated like regular clothing and are tax-free if under $100 per item. A uniform shirt, pants, or skirt counts as clothing.

Backpacks and bags are tax-free as school supplies if they are marketed for school use. A designer handbag or travel bag may be taxed as an accessory rather than a school supply, depending on how it is labeled and sold.

Used items are subject to the same rules as new items. If you buy used clothing or school supplies during the weekend, the tax exemption applies the same way.

Planning Your Shopping Around the Dates

The weekend falls in early August, which is when many families shop for back-to-school supplies and clothing. Stores are typically busier during this week, so shopping early in the morning or on weekdays within the August 3–11 window may mean shorter lines.

If you know what you need, making a list before the weekend helps you shop faster and avoid impulse purchases. Many retailers post their inventory online, so you can check whether items are in stock before you go.

The tax savings are real but modest. On a $100 purchase, you save about $6 in state tax (the exact amount depends on your local tax rate). The main benefit is the convenience of one designated week when you know the tax break applies—not a reason to buy things you do not need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy school supplies to get the tax break?

No. Clothing and footwear under $100 are tax-free during the weekend whether or not you are buying for school. The exemption covers everyday clothing purchases, back-to-school shopping, and any other reason you buy covered items during August 3–11.

What if an item is on sale and costs less than $100, but the regular price is more?

The tax exemption is based on the price you actually pay at checkout, not the regular price. If a $120 coat is on sale for $80, you pay no tax because the sale price is under $100.

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

No. The tax exemption applies only to items you keep. If you return something, the transaction is reversed and no refund of tax occurs because no tax was charged in the first place.

Does the tax-free weekend explore to mail orders or items shipped from out of state?

It depends on the retailer and when the order was placed. Orders placed during August 3–11 and shipped to a Texas address should may have access to, but out-of-state retailers may not be set up to remove Texas tax. Contact the retailer before you order if you want to be certain.

Are there any items that look like school supplies but are not tax-free?

Yes. Furniture (desks, chairs, shelving), sports equipment, and items like briefcases or luggage are not covered, even if used for school. Calculators are tax-free, but computer software and apps may be taxed as technology rather than supplies depending on how they are sold.