Starting this Friday, Texas families have an opportunity to reduce part of their back-to-school expenses. The state began its traditional Sales Tax Holiday, a three-day period during which certain items can be purchased without paying state and local sales taxes.
The exemption began on Friday, August 7, and will remain in effect until midnight on Sunday, August 9, 2026, as confirmed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
The measure mainly affects clothing, footwear, student backpacks and certain school supplies with a price of less than $100 per item. The benefit is not limited to physical stores: it can also be applied to purchases made online, by telephone, by mail or in a catalog as long as the conditions established by the state are met.
What you can buy tax-free in Texas
During these three days, most everyday clothing and footwear that cost less than $100 per item are exempt from sales tax. Among the products that may qualify are:
The exemption is calculated per item and not for the total purchase. This means that a person could buy, for example, two shirts for $80 each and not pay taxes on any of them, even if the final ticket reaches $160.
There is no general limit on the number of eligible items that can be purchased over the weekend.
You can see: Shortage of workers due to ICE raids makes housing more expensive in South Texas
What school supplies qualify
The exemption also includes numerous items commonly used by students, as long as each product is priced under $100.
Among them are notebooks, folders, paper, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, rulers, school scissors and other supplies expressly included in the official state list.
For most purchases, the consumer does not need to present a special exemption certificate to receive the benefit.
The discount is automatically applied when the product meets the conditions of the program.
Backpacks are also tax free, but there are exceptions
Backpacks intended for elementary and middle school students and sold for less than $100 can also be purchased tax-free over the weekend.
The category includes traditional backpacks, some wheeled models and messenger bags. However, not all bags qualify.
Texas specifically excludes luggage and suitcases, briefcases, sports bags, gym bags, computer bags, and backpacks with rigid frames.
A person can purchase up to 10 eligible backpacks at a time without needing to provide the retailer with an exemption certificate.
You can see: Why do so many Ferraris in Texas have Montana license plates?
What products will continue to pay taxes
Just because an item is used to return to school does not automatically mean it is exempt. Accessories such as jewelry, watches, handbags, wallets, buckles sold separately, and certain sporting goods remain subject to the tax.
Also excluded are some types of footwear or clothing designed specifically for sports or protective activities and that are not normally used outside of those activities.
For example, everyday boots may be exempt, while certain cleated shoes, ski boots or specialized equipment continue to be taxed.
You can see: The cheapest neighborhoods in Houston in 2026: where to look for rent if you want to move
Online shopping can also take advantage of the benefit
One of the most important points for consumers is that there is no need to physically go to a Texas store. Eligible items may also be purchased from an online or catalog seller doing business in the state.
It is even possible that the product arrives after Sunday and retains the exemption.
The Comptroller's Office offers as an example a purchase made online on Sunday, August 9 at 5:00 p.m. If the consumer places the order and correctly makes the payment during the tax-free period, the transaction may qualify even if the item is shipped several days later.
On the other hand, if the payment is rejected and the operation is only completed on Monday, August 10, when the benefit ended, the corresponding tax must be paid.
How much money can you save?
Texas began holding this tax-free weekend in 1999 with the goal of alleviating some of the cost associated with returning to school.
The Comptroller's Office has explained in previous editions that the exemption saves approximately $8 for every $100 spent on qualifying items, although the specific savings depends on the local taxes applicable where the purchase is made.
For a family that needs to buy clothes, shoes, backpacks and supplies for several students, the difference can add up quickly.
How long does the tax-free weekend last?
The Sales Tax Holiday 2026 ends at midnight on Sunday, August 9. Products purchased before the period began or after its end do not qualify for the exemption, and Texas clarifies that there is no subsequent refund of the tax for purchases made outside the established dates.
Therefore, those who plan to take advantage of the benefit have only this weekend to make eligible purchases without paying sales tax.
