Ready to feel like you’re getting away with something? This Friday through Sunday, Texas is basically giving you free money on back-to-school shopping. No sales tax on clothes, shoes, school supplies, and backpacks under $100. That’s about 8 cents saved for every dollar you spend – and trust me, it adds up fast.
Whether you’re shopping for kindergarteners or college kids, this weekend is your golden ticket to stretch that back-to-school budget further than you thought possible.
What You Can Buy Tax-Free (The Good Stuff)
The list is better than you think:
- Clothing and shoes under $100 per item (yes, even those name-brand sneakers your teen is begging for)
- School supplies (everything from pencils to calculators)
- Backpacks under $100 (you can buy up to 10 at once – perfect for stocking up)
- Face masks (because apparently these are still a thing)
Here’s the sweet part: you don’t need any special certificates or forms. Just shop like normal, and the tax disappears at checkout.
The Smart Shopper’s Strategy
Shop online from your couch: Online purchases count as long as you complete the transaction during the weekend. Even if your order doesn’t ship until next week, you’re still covered. Just make sure your payment goes through before midnight Sunday.
Stock up beyond this year: That calculator your middle schooler will need in high school? Those socks that seem to vanish in the dryer? Buy them now while they’re tax-free.
Think bigger than school: Office supplies for your home, professional clothes for yourself – if it qualifies, grab it this weekend.
Texas Retailers Are Going All Out
Most large retailers like Walmart, Amazon, & Target will be participating, and many are stacking their own sales on top of the tax savings. Target brings back its 20 must-have school supplies for a total of less than $20 and offers their popular 20% off student and teacher discounts.
Walmart backpack sales have begun again for 2025, perfect timing for the tax-free weekend. Major office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot are also participating with their own back-to-school promotions.
Local Texas retailers are getting in on the action too – from H-E-B to smaller specialty stores, everyone’s competing for your tax-free dollars this weekend.
The Fine Print That Actually Matters
Timing is everything: The sale has to happen between Friday, August 8 and Sunday, August 10 at midnight. Buy something Thursday night? You pay tax. Wait until Monday? Tax city.
Online orders get tricky: If your credit card gets declined Sunday night and you don’t resubmit until Monday, you’ve missed the window. Make sure your payment method works before the deadline.
Layaway and special orders: These follow different rules, so ask your retailer if you’re planning something fancy.
Why This Weekend Matters More Than Ever
Back-to-school costs keep climbing, but this tax holiday helps level the playing field. Families save an average of 8 cents per $1 spent on qualifying goods during the weekend. For a family spending $500 on back-to-school items, that’s $40 back in your pocket.
And let’s be honest – when was the last time the government actually saved you money on something you were going to buy anyway?
Your Weekend Game Plan
Friday: Hit the big retailers early for the best selection. Online shopping is perfect if you want to avoid crowds.
Saturday: Check out local stores and smaller retailers who might have items the big boxes don’t carry.
Sunday: Last chance for anything you forgot. Online shopping works until midnight, but don’t wait until the last minute in case of technical issues.
The Reality Check
This isn’t just about saving a few bucks on pencils. For families with multiple kids, this weekend can mean the difference between name-brand supplies and generic alternatives. It’s about getting quality items your kids actually want to use without the guilt of overspending.
Plus, you’re supporting Texas businesses while keeping more money in your wallet. That’s what we call a win-win.
Make It Count
Set a budget, make a list, and stick to both. The tax savings are real, but they don’t help if you buy stuff you don’t need. Focus on big-ticket items where the savings are most noticeable – that $90 backpack saves you about $7 in taxes alone.
Pro Tip: Check store price-matching policies. Some retailers will match competitors’ prices AND give you the tax-free benefit, essentially double-dipping on savings.
Texas Tax-Free Weekend 2025
📅 Friday, August 8 – Sunday, August 10 (ends at midnight)
💰 No sales tax on qualifying items under $100
🛒 Shop in-store, online, or by phone
📝 No exemption certificates needed for most purchases
Time to show those back-to-school expenses who’s boss. Happy shopping, Texas!
