Community Corner

It’s The Last Day Of Texas Tax Free Weekend

Most school supplies and school clothes are tax exempt this weekend, but check out the Texas Comptrollers list before you hit the mall.

HOUSTON, TX – The annual Texas Tax Free Weekend is almost over. If you haven’t already started shopping for school clothes, supplies and shoes, there’s still time to save some money this weekend.

The annual sales tax holiday started Friday and runs through today. Texas residents can buy most back-to-school items without having to pay sales tax.

But there are exceptions to the rule. When you’re looking at backpacks for the kids, make sure you check the price tag, because anything that’s $100 or over won’t qualify. Other items that won’t qualify include purses, duffle bags, athletic bags, brief cases and computer bags.

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You can find the list of exempt and tax exempt items by clicking here.

There are also vague descriptions for footwear that may confuse shoppers, especially if their child is participating in sports. That means golf shoes, football cleats or any other sporting footwear are not tax exempt items. Sneakers and tennis shoes are acceptable tax-free items.

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Along with clarifications on what you can and can’t be taxed for this weekend, the Texas Comptrollers Office answers FAQ’s about the tax-exempt holiday.

Special Purchases

Additional Charges Affect the Sales Price

While there are plenty of stores with the items you need, there are some shopping centers offering other promotions too. Katy Mills Mall has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters to help children in need this back-to-school season. Anyone shopping at Katy Mills between August 10-12 and spends $200 or more, can visit Simon Guest Services inside the mall with the same-day receipts to receive a backpack filled with school supplies – shoppers can take it home or donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

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