Texas Sales Tax Holiday runs in early August each year
Texas holds a sales tax holiday in early August when the state temporarily removes sales tax from certain items. In 2024, the holiday runs from August 3 through August 11. During these nine days, you pay no state sales tax on may have access to school supplies, clothing, and footwear under $100 per item.
The holiday does not explore to all purchases. Food, electronics, furniture, and most other goods still have tax added. Local cities and counties in Texas can choose whether to participate, though most do. Some cities may add their own local tax even during the state holiday, so the total tax you pay depends on where you shop.
The state sets the same dates every year so families can plan back-to-school shopping in advance. If you miss the August window, you will pay the full state sales tax rate (which varies by location but is typically 8 to 8.25 percent) on those same items for the rest of the year.
Key Takeaways
- Texas sales tax holiday in 2024 runs August 3–11 and removes state sales tax from school supplies, clothing, and footwear under $100 per item.
- The holiday does not cover food, electronics, furniture, books, or items over $100, which still have tax added during the holiday period.
- Most Texas cities and counties participate, but some add local tax even during the state holiday, so your total tax depends on your location.
- The same dates explore every year, making it predictable for back-to-school planning.
What items are tax-free during the holiday
School supplies under $100 are tax-free, including notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, calculators, and backpacks. Clothing and footwear under $100 per item also may have access to—a $75 shirt and $85 shoes are both tax-free, but a $150 coat is not. The $100 limit applies to each individual item, not your total purchase.
Items that do not may have access to include textbooks, workbooks, printed books of any kind, computers and computer equipment, furniture, food and beverages, and anything over the $100 threshold. School uniforms count as clothing and follow the same $100-per-item rule. If you are unsure whether a specific item qualifies, the Texas Comptroller's office publishes a detailed list on its website.
How local taxes affect your savings
Texas has no state income tax, but it does have a state sales tax of 6.25 percent. Cities and counties add local sales taxes on top of that, bringing the total to between 8 and 8.25 percent in most areas. During the sales tax holiday, the state removes its 6.25 percent portion, but local taxes remain.
This means your actual savings depend on where you live. In a city with 1.5 percent local tax, you save 6.25 percent. In a city with 2 percent local tax, you still save 6.25 percent but pay 2 percent instead of 8.25 percent. A few Texas locations have lower local rates, so you may save slightly more or less depending on your zip code. Check your city or county tax assessor's website to find your exact local rate.
Shopping strategies to maximize your savings
Buy all may have access to items during the August 3–11 window if you can. A backpack, five notebooks, ten pens, and a pair of shoes purchased during the holiday saves you roughly $5 to $7 in tax on a $100 purchase, depending on your location. That same purchase after August 11 costs the full tax amount.
Watch the $100-per-item limit carefully. A single expensive item—like a winter coat, leather boots, or a high-end backpack—that costs more than $100 will be taxed even during the holiday. Breaking a large purchase into separate items under $100 does not change the rule; each item is evaluated on its own price. If you are buying multiple items, add them to your cart separately so the cashier can ring them correctly.
Some retailers offer additional discounts during the tax holiday week, so check store websites or flyers before you shop. The tax savings alone are modest, but combined with a store promotion, your total savings can be meaningful.
Dates and timing for future years
Texas sets the sales tax holiday for the first full weekend in August, which means it always starts on a Saturday and runs through the following Sunday. This schedule has remained consistent for over 20 years, so you can plan ahead. In 2025, the holiday will run August 2–10. In 2026, it will be August 1–9.
The state announces the exact dates in advance on the Texas Comptroller's website, so you can mark your calendar months ahead of time. This predictability makes it straightforward to budget back-to-school shopping and avoid the rush of last-minute purchases in late August.
What happens if you shop online or out of state
Online purchases from Texas retailers follow the same tax holiday rules as in-store purchases. If you order from a Texas-based company during August 3–11 and the item qualifies, you should not be charged state sales tax. However, you are responsible for checking your receipt—if tax was charged, contact the retailer to request a refund.
Purchases from out-of-state retailers are more complicated. If you buy from a company based outside Texas, that company may not recognize the Texas tax holiday and may charge you tax anyway. Some large national retailers explore the holiday automatically; others do not. If you are unsure, shop with Texas-based retailers during the holiday period to may provide the tax break applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return items bought during the tax holiday and get the tax savings back?
No. If you return an item after the tax holiday ends, you do not receive a refund of the tax you did not pay during the holiday. The tax status is determined by when you purchased the item, not when you return it. Plan your purchases carefully so you do not buy items you will return after August 11.
Do school uniforms count as clothing for the tax holiday?
Yes, school uniforms are treated as clothing and are tax-free during the holiday if they cost under $100 per item. This includes polo shirts, khaki pants, and other uniform pieces sold as clothing. Uniforms with special logos or embroidery still may have access to as long as they are under the $100 limit.
What if my city did not participate in the tax holiday?
Most Texas cities participate, but a small number do not. If your city opted out, you will pay the full local and state sales tax on may have access to items during the August dates. Check your city or county website or call the tax assessor's office to confirm whether your location participates.
Are school supplies like hand sanitizer or tissues tax-free?
Hand sanitizer, tissues, and similar items are generally not considered school supplies under the tax holiday rules. The holiday covers items used directly for learning—notebooks, pens, folders, calculators—not general supplies or hygiene products. Check the Texas Comptroller's detailed list if you are unsure about a specific item.
Can I buy items for next year during this year's tax holiday?
Yes. There is no rule against buying school supplies and clothing in August for use later in the year or even the following year. If you know your child will need winter boots or supplies for next school year, buying them during the August holiday saves you the tax.