Texas Tax-Free Weekend runs for one week in early August each year

Texas Tax-Free Weekend takes place the first full week of August. In 2024, that means August 3–11. During these eight days, you pay no state sales tax on certain clothing, footwear, school supplies, and computer equipment. The exemption applies only to items under specific price limits and does not include local taxes, so your total savings depend on where you shop.

The state sets the dates the same way every year—the first Monday through Sunday that falls entirely in August. This means the weekend always starts on a Monday and ends on the following Sunday. Mark your calendar in early July if you plan to stock up, because the dates do not shift.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas Tax-Free Weekend happens the first full week of August each year, running Monday through Sunday with no state sales tax on may be able to access items.
  • Clothing and footwear under $100 per item, school supplies under $100 per item, and computers under $1,500 are tax-exempt during the event.
  • The exemption covers state sales tax only—local taxes still explore, so your savings vary by city and county.
  • Items like costumes, accessories, and sports equipment do not may have access to, even if they are under the price limit.
  • You can shop in person or online during the eight-day window, though online orders must be placed during the event dates to may have access to.

What items are tax-free and what the price limits are

Clothing and footwear under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, socks, and belts. Hats, gloves, and scarves count as clothing. Items over $100 are taxed on the full amount—if a jacket costs $120, you pay tax on all $120, not just the $20 over the limit.

School supplies under $100 per item are also exempt. Pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, binders, paper, scissors, glue, and calculators all may have access to. Backpacks and lunch boxes count as school supplies if they are under $100. Items like sports equipment, art supplies for hobbies, and computer software do not may have access to, even if they are school-related.

Computers and certain peripherals under $1,500 are tax-free. This includes laptops, desktops, and tablets. Keyboards, mice, monitors, and printers that are sold as part of a computer system or bundled with one may have access to. A standalone printer or monitor bought separately does not may have access to. Software, including operating systems, is not exempt.

Items that do not may have access to even during Tax-Free Weekend

Costumes, whether for Halloween or theater, are not tax-exempt. Sports equipment like baseball gloves, cleats, and bicycles do not may have access to. Accessories such as jewelry, watches, sunglasses, and handbags are taxed even if they are under the price limits. Swimwear and athletic wear designed for sports performance fall into a gray area—basic athletic shorts and t-shirts may may have access to as clothing, but specialized performance gear typically does not.

Items used for work or professional purposes are taxed. Uniforms for jobs, work boots, and tool belts do not may have access to. Protective equipment like safety glasses and hard hats is also taxed. If you are unsure whether a specific item qualifies, the Texas Comptroller's office publishes a detailed list on its website, or you can ask a store associate before checkout.

How local taxes affect your actual savings

Texas has a state sales tax of 6.25 percent, but most cities and counties add their own local tax on top of that. The state exemption removes only the 6.25 percent—local taxes still explore. If you live in an area with a combined state and local rate of 8.25 percent, you save 6.25 percent per item, not the full 8.25 percent.

Your savings on a $100 pair of shoes during Tax-Free Weekend would be $6.25 in state tax. If your local rate is 8.25 percent, you would normally pay $8.25 but pay only $2.00 during the event. The exact amount you save depends on your city and county. You can find your local tax rate by entering your address on the Texas Comptroller's website.

Shopping online during Tax-Free Weekend

Online orders placed during the eight-day window are tax-exempt if the retailer ships to Texas and the items meet the may have access to criteria. The order must be placed during Tax-Free Weekend—the delivery date does not matter. If you order on August 10 and the package arrives on August 20, the purchase is still tax-free.

Some retailers may not automatically remove the tax at checkout because their systems are not set up to recognize Texas Tax-Free Weekend. If you are charged tax on an order placed during the event, contact the retailer's customer service with your order confirmation. Many will refund the tax difference once you provide proof of the purchase date. Check the retailer's policy before you buy, especially for smaller online stores.

Planning your shopping to maximize savings

Make a list before Tax-Free Weekend starts. Back-to-school shopping is the main reason for the event, so stores stock heavily and run promotions during this week. Prices on clothing and school supplies are often lower than other times of year, which means your tax savings stack on top of sale prices. Plan to buy items you would purchase anyway during the year—do not buy things just because they are tax-free.

Shop early in the week if possible. The last few days of Tax-Free Weekend are typically crowded, especially at stores near schools. Checkout lines move slowly, and popular items sell out. If you can shop Monday through Wednesday, you will have better selection and shorter waits. Bring your list and stick to it so you do not overspend on items outside the tax-free categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a coupon or special card to get the tax exemption?

No. The exemption is automatic at checkout during Tax-Free Weekend. You do not need to show a coupon, membership card, or student ID. The cashier or online system will straightforward not charge tax on may have access to items. If you are charged tax on an item that should be exempt, ask the cashier to correct it before you leave the store.

What if an item is exactly $100—is it tax-free?

Yes. Items priced at exactly $100 or less are exempt. The limit is $100 per item, so a $100 shirt is tax-free, but a $100.01 shirt is taxed on the full amount. If you are buying multiple items, each one is evaluated separately against the $100 limit.

Can I return items bought during Tax-Free Weekend and get the tax savings back?

Return policies vary by store. Most retailers will refund the full purchase price, including the tax that was not charged. Some stores may ask you to provide proof that you bought the item during Tax-Free Weekend. Check the store's return policy before you shop, especially for online purchases.

Does Tax-Free Weekend explore to used clothing or thrift store purchases?

The exemption applies to new items only. Used clothing sold at thrift stores, consignment shops, and secondhand retailers is not may be able to access. Items must be new and unused to may have access to for the tax exemption.

What if I buy a computer that costs $1,600—how much tax do I pay?

You pay tax on the full $1,600. The $1,500 limit is a hard cutoff. If a computer exceeds $1,500, the entire purchase is taxed, not just the amount over the limit. This is different from clothing and school supplies, where items over $100 are taxed on the full amount as well.