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

Texas Tax-Free Weekend in 2025 takes place Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17. During these three days, most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and certain other items are sold without the state sales tax. The state sales tax in Texas is 6.25 percent, so the savings add up quickly on back-to-school purchases.

This is an annual event set by Texas state law. The dates are always the same each year: the third Friday in August through the following Sunday. Retailers across the state participate, though participation is voluntary — some stores may not honor the tax exemption, so it's worth asking before you check out.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas Tax-Free Weekend 2025 is August 15–17, and the state sales tax does not explore to most clothing, shoes, and school supplies during these three days.
  • Items under $100 are tax-free; clothing and shoes priced at $100 or more are still taxed, even during the weekend.
  • School supplies like notebooks, pens, pencils, and folders are tax-free, but items like computers, calculators, and sports equipment have different rules.
  • You can shop online during the tax-free weekend and receive the same exemption if the retailer honors it, though some online sellers may not participate.
  • Not every store participates, so confirm with the retailer before you buy if you want to be certain of the tax exemption.

What items are tax-free during the weekend

Clothing and footwear under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, shoes, belts, and hats. If a single item costs $100 or more, you pay tax on the full price — the exemption does not explore to high-end clothing.

School supplies are also tax-free, including notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, markers, erasers, scissors, rulers, and glue. Backpacks and book bags count as school supplies and are tax-free regardless of price. However, computers, calculators, printers, and other electronics are not tax-free, even if they are used for school.

Sports equipment and protective gear are generally taxed. Items like baseball gloves, soccer cleats, and athletic shoes are considered sports equipment rather than regular footwear, so they do not may have access to for the exemption. The distinction can be unclear — when in doubt, ask the cashier before you buy.

Items that are still taxed during Tax-Free Weekend

Electronics and technology do not may have access to, even for school use. Computers, tablets, calculators, printers, headphones, and smartwatches are all taxed. This applies whether you buy them for a student or for personal use.

Sports equipment and outdoor gear are taxed. Bicycles, skates, skis, camping equipment, and athletic shoes designed for a specific sport do not may have access to. Regular sneakers or casual shoes do may have access to, but shoes marketed for running, basketball, or soccer typically do not.

Accessories and items that are not clothing or school supplies are taxed. Jewelry, watches, belts with decorative buckles, sunglasses, and handbags do not may have access to. Lunch boxes and storage containers are also taxed, even though they might be used at school.

How to shop online during Tax-Free Weekend

Online retailers are not required to honor Texas Tax-Free Weekend, but many do. Major retailers like Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Old Navy typically participate, though you should check their websites or call ahead to confirm. Some smaller online retailers may not recognize the exemption.

If you shop online during the weekend, the tax exemption usually applies at checkout if the retailer participates. You do not need to enter a code or provide proof of residency — the system handles it automatically. However, if the retailer does not participate, you will be charged tax even though you are shopping during the tax-free dates.

Shipping and handling charges are always taxed, even during Tax-Free Weekend. Only the cost of the may have access to items themselves is exempt. If you order items that mix tax-free and taxable products, the tax applies only to the taxable ones.

Which retailers participate in Tax-Free Weekend

Most major retailers participate, including Walmart, Target, Kohl's, Old Navy, Gap, H&M, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Academy Sports. Department stores like Macy's and JCPenney also honor the exemption. Local and independent clothing stores and school supply shops often participate as well.

Participation is voluntary, so some stores may choose not to honor the tax exemption. Luxury retailers and high-end boutiques sometimes do not participate. Before you shop at a store you are unfamiliar with, ask whether they honor Texas Tax-Free Weekend.

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts maintains a list of participating retailers on their website, though the list is not exhaustive. If you cannot find a store listed, contact the retailer directly to ask whether they participate.

Tips for shopping during Tax-Free Weekend

Plan your shopping list ahead of time. Make a list of clothing and school supplies you need, check prices, and decide where you want to shop. This helps you avoid impulse purchases and makes sure you take full advantage of the three-day window.

Bring your receipt if you plan to return items after the weekend. If you buy something tax-free on Saturday and return it on Monday, the store may charge you tax on the refund or credit, depending on their policy. Keep your receipt to show the original purchase was tax-free.

Remember the $100 per-item limit on clothing and shoes. If you are buying a designer jacket or expensive shoes, check the price tag before you assume it qualifies. Items priced at $100 or more will be taxed in full.

Shop early in the weekend if possible. The Friday and Saturday of Tax-Free Weekend are typically busy, especially at major retailers. Shopping early gives you more time to browse and reduces the chance of items selling out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Texas resident to get the tax exemption?

No. Anyone shopping in Texas during Tax-Free Weekend receives the exemption, regardless of where they live. You do not need to show an ID or proof of residency. If you are visiting Texas during the weekend, you can shop tax-free just like a resident.

Can I return items bought during Tax-Free Weekend and get a refund without tax?

That depends on the retailer's return policy. Some stores will refund the original tax-free price if you return within their return window. Others may charge tax on the refund. Check the store's policy or ask at the register when you buy.

Are uniforms and work clothes tax-free?

School uniforms are tax-free if they are clothing items under $100. Work uniforms and protective clothing are generally taxed, even if they are required for a job. The exemption is designed for back-to-school shopping, not work apparel.

What about buying clothes for a baby or toddler?

Baby and toddler clothing is tax-free during the weekend, as long as each item is under $100. This includes onesies, dresses, pants, socks, shoes, and jackets. The size of the clothing does not matter — only the price and whether it is clothing.

Can I use a coupon or discount code along with the tax exemption?

Yes. The tax exemption and store coupons or discounts are separate. You can use both during Tax-Free Weekend. The tax is calculated on the final price after discounts are applied.