Hey Austin, Texas! Tax-Free Weekend Starts Friday!

Texas Tax-Free Weekend 2009: Back to School Shopping

It’s that time of year again: Texas Tax-Free Weekend starts this Friday, August 21 and ends Sunday, August 23! Texans are familiar with this annual shopping holiday — it falls near start of the school year, so families can stock up on new clothes, elementary- and secondary-student school backpacks and shoes without paying sales tax. That can mean big savings. School supplies for elementary- and secondary-school students like paper, pencils and notebooks are also on the list of tax-free items.

Officials estimated that the Texas Sales Tax Holiday has saved Texas families around $442 million. This is the first year that school supplies are included. The holiday was introduced in 1999.

Texas Tax-Free Weekend Crowds

Be prepared: Stores will be packed this weekend. Long lines in dressing rooms, waits to check out, crowded stores — it’s all a part of Texas Tax-Free Weekend excitement. It’s not uncommon for shoppers to form a “game plan” for which stores they’d like to visit in what order and what exactly they’re shopping for. Wrangler jeans for Tommy, Ariat boots for Susie, etc. Hey, it never hurts to have a plan.

Texas Tax-Free Shopping: Cowboy Boots!

Many Texas Tax-Free Shoppers will be thrilled to hear that cowboy boots are tax-free this weekend! Of course, cowboy boots must cost less than $100 to be tax-free, as one of the stipulations of the holiday is that items must not cost over $100. Kids going back to school will love pairing their new Wranglers with some stylish — and durable — new cowboy boots.

So what else is a part of the Texas Tax-Free Weekend? Some items on the list: belts with attached buckles, dresses, jackets, jeans and shirts. Again, items must cost less than $100 to be tax-free. Keep in mind that many items are not tax-free this weekend, so we recommend reading all of the details at the State Comptroller’s website. You can also call (800) 252-5555 with any questions.