The recent passage of Senate Bill 485 changes the dates of this year’s annual Sales Tax Holiday to Aug. 9-11, a week earlier than previously scheduled. The law became effective immediately.?The Sales Tax Holiday gives Texas shoppers a break from state and local sales taxes on most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100. Shoppers can save up to $8.25 for every $100 they spend. ?{{more}}?
Tax-Free Items
Tax free items include everything from baby clothes and diapers to dresses and t-shirts. Undergarments, swimsuits, jeans, pants, skirts and slacks are tax-free items. So are sneakers, sandals and socks. Sweaters and sweatshirts are not taxed either; not that you’ll need them right now.
TaxedTaxable items
tend to be the more specialized, less necessary items of clothing such as jewelry, hair accessories, purses, football pants and golf gloves. Regular shoes (sandals, slippers, sneakers) are exempt, but cleated shoes, fishing boots and ballet slippers are not. A more complete list of exempt and non-exempt items can be found on the state of Texas website.
School SuppliesThe Texas Legislature passed HB 1801 (2009) expanding the list of items qualifying for exemption from Texas state and local sales and use taxes during the annual sales tax holiday in August. In addition to clothes, footwear and some backpacks, this year Texas families also get a sales tax break on most school supplies (priced at less than $100) purchased for use by a student in an elementary or secondary school. Items like pencils, pens, folders, calculators, crayons and glue are tax free. Backpacks under $100 and used by elementary and secondary students are also exempt.
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