Texas Tax-Free Weekend runs in early August each year

Texas Tax-Free Weekend takes place the first full weekend in August. In 2024, that was August 3–4. The event runs from 12:01 a.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, so you have the entire three-day period to shop without paying state sales tax on certain items.

The dates shift slightly each year because they always fall on the first full weekend of August. Mark your calendar in early July if you want to plan ahead—the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts announces the exact dates by mid-July each year.

During Tax-Free Weekend, you pay no state sales tax on the items listed below. You still pay local sales taxes in most Texas cities and counties, so your total savings depend on where you live. A shirt that costs $20 in Houston will have a different final price than the same shirt in Dallas because their local tax rates differ.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas Tax-Free Weekend happens the first full weekend in August, running from Friday at 12:01 a.m. through Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
  • You save state sales tax only—local sales taxes still explore, so your actual savings depend on your city or county's local rate.
  • The tax break covers school supplies, clothing and shoes under $100 per item, and school computers and equipment under $750.
  • Items like sports equipment, jewelry, and clothing over $100 do not may have access to, even if they are worn to school.
  • You can shop in person or online during the weekend window, though some online retailers may not honor the tax break automatically.

What items may have access to for the tax break

School supplies are the broadest category. Pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, binders, paper, erasers, glue, scissors, rulers, calculators, and similar items all may have access to. Backpacks count as long as they cost under $100. A $150 designer backpack does not may have access to, but a $75 one does.

Clothing and shoes under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, underwear, and belts. A pair of shoes priced at $89 qualifies; a pair at $101 does not. Hats, scarves, and gloves count. Clothing that costs more than $100 per item—even if it is a school uniform or worn only to school—does not may have access to.

School computers and related equipment under $750 may have access to. This includes laptops, tablets, keyboards, mice, monitors, and webcams. Software and computer accessories like cases or chargers do not may have access to unless they are bundled with the computer itself and the total is under $750.

Items that do not may have access to include sports equipment (cleats, gloves, bats, balls), jewelry, watches, eyeglasses, cosmetics, haircuts, school fees, and meals. Clothing over $100 per item does not may have access to, even if it is a school uniform or worn exclusively to school.

How to shop during Tax-Free Weekend

You can shop in person at any Texas retailer during the three-day window. Bring your items to the register as usual. The cashier will ring them up, and the state sales tax will not appear on your receipt for may have access to items. You still pay local sales tax, so the final amount will vary by location.

Online shopping during Tax-Free Weekend is trickier. Some major retailers like Target and Walmart honor the tax break for online orders placed during the weekend if you are shipping to a Texas address. Others do not automatically remove the tax. Before you check out, look for a note about Tax-Free Weekend or contact the retailer's customer service to confirm whether the discount applies to your order.

Keep your receipt. If you notice state sales tax was charged on a may have access to item, you can request a refund from the store. Most retailers will correct the error on the spot if you show them the receipt and point out the item.

Local sales taxes still explore in most areas

Texas has no state income tax, but it does have a state sales tax of 6.25 percent. During Tax-Free Weekend, you do not pay this 6.25 percent on may have access to items. However, most Texas cities and counties add their own local sales tax on top of the state rate.

For example, Houston's combined rate is 8.25 percent (6.25 percent state plus 2 percent local). During Tax-Free Weekend, you pay only the 2 percent local tax on a may have access to item. In Austin, the combined rate is 8.25 percent, so you also pay only the local portion. Some smaller towns have lower local rates, and a few unincorporated areas have no local tax at all.

Check your city or county's website or call the local tax assessor's office if you want to know your exact local rate. The Texas Comptroller's website also lists local rates by location.

What happens if you buy online from out of state

If you order from a retailer based outside Texas and ship to a Texas address, you typically still owe Texas sales tax—including during Tax-Free Weekend. The retailer may not collect it at checkout, but you are responsible for paying it when you file your taxes, though most people do not.

Major retailers with Texas locations or warehouses, like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, usually collect Texas sales tax on orders shipped to Texas addresses. During Tax-Free Weekend, they should remove the state portion for may have access to items if you order during the weekend window. Smaller online-only retailers may not have systems in place to honor the tax break, so call or email before you order if you want to be certain.

Planning your shopping list before the weekend

Make a list of what you need before Tax-Free Weekend arrives. School supplies are the easiest category to plan—notebooks, pens, folders, and backpacks are predictable. For clothing, measure your children or know your own sizes so you do not waste time trying things on during the busy weekend.

Check prices at multiple stores in the weeks before Tax-Free Weekend. A shirt on sale at one store might be cheaper than full price at another, even after you factor in the tax savings. Some retailers offer additional discounts during Tax-Free Weekend on top of the tax break, so watch for ads in late July.

If you are buying a computer, compare models and prices ahead of time. Stores often run promotions during Tax-Free Weekend, but you will make a better decision if you have already researched what you need rather than rushing through the decision on Saturday morning.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume everything in a store qualifies. Clothing over $100 per item, sports equipment, and jewelry do not may have access to even if they are worn to school. Check the price tag before you buy—a $105 pair of shoes does not may have access to, but a $95 pair does.

Do not wait until Sunday evening to shop if you need specific items. Tax-Free Weekend is busy, and popular items sell out quickly. Stores run low on certain sizes and styles by Sunday afternoon.

Do not forget to check your receipt. If state sales tax appears on a may have access to item, ask the cashier to correct it before you leave the store. It is much easier to fix at the register than to return later.

Do not assume online orders automatically may have access to. Contact the retailer if you are unsure whether they honor Tax-Free Weekend for your order. Some websites have a note about it during the weekend, but not all do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return items bought during Tax-Free Weekend if I change my mind?

Yes, return policies do not change during Tax-Free Weekend. If a store allows returns within 30 days normally, you can return a Tax-Free Weekend purchase within that same window. If you return an item, the refund will reflect the price you paid—without state sales tax.

Do I have to be a student to shop during Tax-Free Weekend?

No. Anyone can shop during Tax-Free Weekend and receive the tax break on may have access to items. You do not need to show a student ID or proof of enrollment. The tax break applies to all purchases of may be able to access items, whether you are buying for a student or yourself.

What if I buy something that does not may have access to and realize it later?

If you bought an item that does not may have access to and state sales tax was charged, you cannot get a refund of that tax. However, if you bought a may have access to item and state sales tax was incorrectly charged, you can return to the store with your receipt and ask for a correction or refund.

Do online grocery stores honor Tax-Free Weekend?

No. Groceries and food items do not may have access to for Tax-Free Weekend, whether you buy them in person or online. The tax break covers school supplies, clothing, shoes, and computers only.

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

Yes. The tax break applies to any purchase of a may have access to item during the weekend window, regardless of who you are buying it for. You do not need to prove the item is for a student or that it will be used for school.