Texas Tax-Free Weekend 2015: Sales Tax Holiday For Back-To-School Items, Clothing, And Footwear

The Texas tax-free weekend for 2015 will boast huge savings on back-to-school, clothing, footwear, and other items shoppers love to save money on.

TWC News reports that the Texas sales tax holiday is from Friday, August 7, to Sunday, August 9. This gives buyers a chance to save about $8 on every $100 they spend. Certain items aren’t exempt from the sales tax during the event, such as wallets, handbags, luggage, and jewelry.

It’s important to note that eligible purchases are only priced up to $100 or less. If listed items are priced over $100, the state sales tax is applied to the purchase.

According to the report, “families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade are expected to spend an average of $630.36 on back-to-school shopping this year, which is down from last year’s average of $669.28.”

The Texas tax-free weekend has been an annual event since 1999.

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has posted all relevant information regarding the sales tax holiday for 2015. It explains to consumers that if a tax-exempt item goes over $100, the entire cost is taxed, not just what’s over the $99.99.

The website offered more details in surrounding the tax-free event.

“The exemption also does not apply to sales of special clothing or footwear that the manufacturer primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use and that is not normally worn except when used for the athletic activity or protective use for which the manufacturer designed the article. For example, golf cleats and football pads are primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use and are not normally worn except for those purposes; they do not qualify for the exemption. Tennis shoes, jogging suits and swimsuits, however, are commonly worn for purposes other than athletic activity and thus qualify for the exemption.”

“The sales tax holiday exemption does not extend to rental of clothing or footwear; nor does it apply to alteration (including embroidery) or cleaning services performed on clothes and shoes. Additionally, tax is due on sales of accessories, including jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches and similar items.”

Texas comptroller Glenn Hegar said in a press release that as a father he knows how important the Texas tax-free weekend is.

“As the father of three young children, I know back-to-school expenses can really put a strain on family budgets this time of year. This is an opportunity for families to save some money and prepare for the start of the school year.”

[Photo Illustration by Alex Wong/Getty Images]