When is 2023 tax free weekend in Texas? What you need to know to save on school supplies

Sarah Ann Dueñas, Austin American-Statesman
Updated ·3 min read
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It’s back-to-school season, and Texans can save some cash this weekend while helping their students get the supplies they’ll need to return to the classroom.

Shoppers won't have to pay sales tax on a wide array of items, from school supplies to diapers, purchased Friday through Sunday at a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in the state.

In Austin, shoppers will save 8.25 cents for every dollar on usually taxable items.

Qualifying items must be paid for during the tax-free weekend and shipped or received immediately. They do not have to arrive this weekend. Layaway items either completed or started during tax-free weekend also qualify.

What will be tax-free?

  • School supplies: Backpacks and book bags; binders; blackboard chalk; calculators; cellophane tape; compasses; composition books; crayons; erasers; folders — expandable, pocket, plastic and manila; glue; highlighters; index cards; index card boxes; legal pads; lunchboxes; markers (including dry-erase markers); notebooks; paper; pencil boxes and other school supply boxes; pencil sharpeners; pencils; pens; protractors; rulers; scissors; and writing tablets.

  • Clothing: Most clothing, coats, pajamas, most shoes, socks, sports hats, sports jerseys, swimsuits, ties, underwear and uniforms.

  • Face masks: Both cloth and disposable.

  • Others: Adult and baby diapers.

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What will not be tax-free?

  • Athletic items: Sports clothing used only for the purpose of a sport, sports equipment, and shoes such as cleats or fishing boots.

  • Educational materials: Computers, textbooks and software.

  • Sewing items: Fabric, buttons and zippers.

  • Accessories: All accessories, including jewelry and watches.

  • Bags: Briefcases, luggage, purses, wallets and more than 10 backpacks.

  • Others: Any item that costs more than $100.

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Tips for shopping

  • Though shoppers are advised to make a list, it’s also recommended that everyone read the “fine print” ahead of time to avoid going over the price ceiling.

  • Shoppers should know the conditions and understand that not everything is on sale or tax-free.

  • Buyers should monitor prices in advance, creating a budget, saving online coupons and taking advantage of discounts.

What's on your school supply list?

TeacherLists, a digital platform for school supply lists, has a partnership with H-E-B locations throughout Texas to provide lists in-store.

Not near an H-E-B? Several other retailers provide school supply lists, including Walmart, Target, Staples, Office Depot and Walgreens.

Can't find your child's school supply list? Reach out to your school district.

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When does school start in Central Texas?

Wednesday, August 9:

Thursday, August 10:

Monday, August 14:

Tuesday, August 15:

Wednesday, August 16:

Thursday, August 17:

For more details on the sales tax holiday, visit the state comptroller's website or read here.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When is Texas' tax free weekend 2023? How to save on school supplies