Buying back-to-school supplies? Texas’ annual sales tax holiday will let people buy back-to-school clothes, footwear and supplies without paying sales tax starting on Friday and ending Sunday night.
“Qualifying items can be purchased tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas,” read a description from the state comptroller’s website. “In most cases, you do not need to give the seller an exemption certificate to buy qualifying items tax free.”
The state first started offering its tax-free weekend to shoppers in 1999, and has since then saved shoppers an estimated $1.8 billion.
Clothes that you can get tax free this weekend include baby diapers, baseball caps, sports jerseys, hunting clothes, scout uniforms, most sneakers and swimsuits.
Supplies include everything from backpacks and crayons to folders and lunch boxes.
School supplies or clothes purchased must be under $100 and not all items qualify. A full list of school supplies and clothing items that are tax free over the weekend can be found on the state comptroller’s website.
Nearly a dozen back-to-school events with free supplies will be held throughout the weekend, as well. San Antonio families can attend various events to get backpacks, haircuts, vaccinations and more.
The tax holiday does not apply to shipping and handling costs.
If shoppers are charged a sales tax on a qualifying purchase, they can ask for a refund or can file for a refund directly with the state by filling out Form 00-985 and submitting it to the state comptroller.
The mailing address for the state comptroller is P.O. Box 13528, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711-3528.
