Texas shoppers will have an opportunity to save on back-to-school purchases during the state’s annual Sales Tax Holiday, which takes place the second weekend in August. During the three-day event, qualifying clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks can be purchased without paying the state’s 6.25% sales tax, provided each eligible item costs less than $100.

Qualifying Items

Most clothing, footwear, and certain school supplies priced under $100 qualify for the tax exemption. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items shoppers can purchase. Student backpacks costing less than $100 also qualify. The exemption includes wheeled backpacks and messenger bags, and shoppers may purchase up to 10 qualifying backpacks at one time without needing an exemption certificate.

Cloth and disposable fabric face masks also qualify as clothing. However, industrial or medical-grade masks, such as N95 respirators and other personal protective equipment, do not qualify. Some items are excluded from the Sales Tax Holiday, including golf cleats and football pads, while everyday athletic clothing such as tennis shoes, jogging suits and swimsuits generally qualify because they can be worn outside athletic activities.

Online and Phone Orders

Eligible items purchased online, by telephone, by mail or through catalog orders also qualify for the tax exemption, as long as payment is completed during the Sales Tax Holiday. For example, an online order placed and successfully paid for on Sunday, August 9, qualifies even if the items are not shipped or delivered until several days later.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.