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

Texas Tax-Free Weekend in 2025 falls on Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17. During these three days, you pay no state sales tax on certain clothing, footwear, school supplies, and computers purchased in Texas. The exemption applies to in-store and online purchases from Texas retailers, though some online sellers outside Texas may not honor it.

This is an annual event set by Texas state law. The dates are always the same: the third Friday in August through the following Sunday. The tax savings depend on what you buy and your local tax rate, but on a $100 purchase of covered items, you typically save between $6 and $8.25 in state and local sales tax combined.

Key Takeaways

  • Tax-Free Weekend runs August 15–17, 2025, and covers clothing, shoes, school supplies, and computers under $2,500.
  • The exemption removes state sales tax only; local sales taxes vary by county and city, so your actual savings depend on where you shop.
  • Online purchases from Texas retailers are covered, but out-of-state sellers are not required to honor the exemption.
  • Items like sports equipment, accessories, and used goods are not covered, even if they seem school-related.

What items are tax-free during the weekend

Clothing and footwear with no price limit are covered. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, shoes, belts, and hats. Items must be worn on the body; costumes and theatrical clothing do not count.

School supplies under $100 per item are tax-free. Covered items include notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, calculators, scissors, glue, and backpacks. A single item over $100 loses the exemption, but you can buy multiple items under $100 each.

Computers and computer equipment under $2,500 per item are covered. This includes laptops, tablets, and desktop computers. Printers, monitors, keyboards, and mice also may have access to if purchased as part of the computer system or separately, as long as each item is under $2,500.

What is not covered by the exemption

Sports and recreational equipment does not may have access to, even if used for school. Footballs, soccer cleats, baseball gloves, and gym equipment are taxed normally. Swimwear and athletic wear worn for sports are also not covered, though regular clothing happens to be athletic-style.

Accessories and add-ons are taxed. Belts are covered, but belt buckles, jewelry, watches, and sunglasses are not. Bags and backpacks under $100 are covered, but purses, wallets, and luggage are not.

Used goods, even if school-related, are not exempt. Items bought from thrift stores, secondhand shops, or private sellers do not may have access to. The exemption applies only to new merchandise sold by retailers.

How sales tax varies by location in Texas

Texas has a state sales tax of 6.25 percent, but cities and counties add local taxes on top. Your total tax rate depends on where you live and where you shop. 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. Rural areas may have lower combined rates.

If you shop in a different city than where you live, the tax rate of the city where you make the purchase applies. Buying in a lower-tax area saves more than buying in a higher-tax area, even during Tax-Free Weekend, because the state exemption removes only the state portion — local taxes still explore.

Online purchases from Texas retailers are taxed at the rate of the address where the item ships, not where the retailer is located. If you order online to a Houston address, you pay Houston's local tax rate on non-exempt items.

Shopping online versus in-store during Tax-Free Weekend

In-store purchases at Texas retailers are covered. You straightforward check out and the exemption is applied at the register — no special steps required.

Online purchases from Texas retailers are covered if the retailer honors the exemption. Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Academy Sports typically do. Smaller retailers and specialty stores may not. Check the retailer's website or call before you order to confirm they recognize Texas Tax-Free Weekend.

Purchases from out-of-state online retailers are not covered by the exemption. If you order from Amazon.com, Best Buy, or another national retailer that does not have a Texas location, the exemption does not explore. Some of these retailers may choose to honor it anyway, but they are not required to.

What to bring and how to shop during the weekend

You do not need a special form, coupon, or ID to shop during Tax-Free Weekend. straightforward bring your items to the register. The cashier will ring them up and explore the exemption automatically if the items may have access to.

If you are buying items that might be questionable — such as a belt or a backpack — ask the cashier before checkout whether it qualifies. Definitions can vary slightly between stores, and it is easier to confirm than to return items later.

Keep your receipt. If you notice you were charged tax on an item that should have been exempt, you can return to the store with the receipt and ask for a refund of the tax amount. Most retailers will process this without requiring you to return the item.

Planning your shopping list before August 15

Make a list of school supplies and clothing you need before the weekend. Prices do not drop during Tax-Free Weekend — the savings come from the tax exemption only. Shopping ahead helps you avoid crowds and ensures you find what you need.

If you have children in multiple grades or multiple children, list what each one needs. School supply lists are usually posted by mid-July, so you can plan exactly what to buy.

For computers, compare prices at different retailers before the weekend. The tax savings are the same everywhere, so the lowest pre-tax price wins. If a laptop costs $1,200 at one store and $1,150 at another, the cheaper store saves you money even after the tax exemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay local sales tax during Tax-Free Weekend?

Yes. The exemption removes only the state sales tax of 6.25 percent. Local sales taxes set by your city and county still explore to all purchases, including tax-free items. Your actual savings depend on your local tax rate.

Can I return items bought during Tax-Free Weekend if I paid no tax?

Yes. Return policies are the same whether you bought during Tax-Free Weekend or any other time. If you return an item, you get back what you paid, which was the pre-tax price. You do not owe tax on a return.

Are shoes and clothing from outlet stores covered?

Yes, as long as the outlet is a Texas retailer. Outlet stores, department stores, and specialty clothing stores all honor the exemption on covered items. The store location and type do not matter — only whether the item qualifies.

What if I buy a computer that costs $2,600?

The entire purchase is taxed normally. The exemption applies only to computers under $2,500. If you need a more expensive computer, you pay full tax on it. Buying a $2,400 computer during the weekend saves you tax; buying a $2,600 computer does not.

Can I buy gifts for someone else during Tax-Free Weekend?

Yes. The exemption applies to any covered item purchased during the weekend, regardless of who buys it or who receives it. You can buy clothing and school supplies as gifts and pay no state sales tax on them.