Texas Sales Tax Holiday

If you shop in local stores, this is the weekend to do it in Texas. This post just seemed like a good follow to my shop online post. Warning: hit the stores early or at night to beat the crowds. Lay-away plans can be used again this year to take advantage of the sales tax holiday. So, if you usually buy clothes later in the year, put them on layaway and save.


August 15-17, 2008

Texas shoppers geta break from state and local sales taxes on August 15, 16 and 17 - the state’s annual tax holiday.

The law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend.

Backpacks under $100 and used by elementary and secondary students are also exempt. A backpack is a pack with straps one wears on the back.The exemption during the sales tax holiday includes backpacks with wheels, provided they can also be worn on the back like a traditional backpack, and messenger bags. The exemption does not include items that are reasonably defined as luggage, briefcases, athletic/duffle/gymbags, computer bags, purses or framed backpacks. Ten or fewer backpacks can be purchased tax-free at one time without providing an exemption certificate to the seller.

List of Items and Their Exemption Status

TAX-FREE

TAXED

Baby clothes Backpacks for use by elementary and secondary students Belts with attached buckles Boots - cowboy, hiking Caps/hats - baseball, fishing, golf, knitted Coats and wraps Diapers - adult and baby Dresses Gloves (generally) Gym suits and uniforms Hooded shirts and hooded sweatshirts Hosiery Jackets Jeans Jerseys - baseball and football Jogging apparel Neckwear and ties Pajamas Pants and trousers Raincoats and ponchos Robes Shirts Shoes - sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis, walking Socks (including athletic) Shorts Suits, slacks, and jackets Sweatshirts Sweat suits Sweaters Swimsuits Underclothes Work clothes and uniforms

Accessories (generally) - barrettes, elastic ponytail holders, wallets, watches Backpacks - unless for use by elementary and secondary students Baseball cleats and pants Belt buckles (without belt) Boots - climbing, fishing, rubber work boots, ski, waders Buttons and zippers Cloth and lace, knitting yarns, and other fabrics Dry cleaning services Football pants Golf gloves Handbags and purses Handkerchiefs Hard hats Helmets - bike, baseball, football, hockey, motorcycle, sports Ice skates Jewelry Laundering services Leather goods - except belts with buckles and wearing apparel Pads - football, hockey, soccer, elbow, knee, shoulder Personal flotation devices Rented clothing (including uniforms, formal wear, and costumes) Roller blades and skates Safety clothing, glasses Shoes - bicycle (cleated), bowling, golf

[Click to see an Extended List of Items ]

Tags: sales tax holiday, tax-free weekend, school clothes