Sales tax holiday begins Friday

The stores will be packed this weekend as Friday through Sunday shoppers will be taking advantage of the annual Tax Free holiday.

Comptroller Susan Combs stated the sales tax holiday for clothes and shoes has been changed to the third weekend of August due to all Texas schools beginning on August 27.

"The Legislature voted to change the date of the sales tax holiday because schools are opening later in many districts," Combs said. "Most families take advantage of the sales tax holiday to buy backto school clothes for the kids."

During the sales tax holiday, most children's and adults' clothing and footwear priced at less than $100 is exempt from state and local sales taxes. This year, for the first time, school backpacks costing less than $100 may be purchased tax free, but shoppers must pay tax on all other school supplies.

Items that will be tax-free this weekend only are: Baby clothes, Backpacks for use by elementary and secondary students, Belts with attached buckles, Boots - cowboy, hiking; Caps/hats - baseball, fishing, golf, knitted Coats and wraps, Diapers - adult and baby, Dresses, Gloves (generally), Gym suits and uniforms, Hooded shirts and hooded sweatshirts.

Other items include: Hosiery, Jackets, Jeans, Jerseys - baseball and football, Jogging apparel, Neckwear and ties, Pajamas Pants and trousers, Raincoats and ponchos, Robes, Shirts, Shoes - sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis, walking; Socks (including athletic) Shorts, Suits, slacks, and jackets, Sweatshirts, Sweat suits, Sweaters, Swimsuits, Underclothes, Work clothes and uniforms.

Items that will be taxed as normal this weekend are: Accessories (generally) - barrettes, elastic ponytail holders, wallets, watches, Backpacks - unless for use by elementary and secondary students, Baseball cleats and pants, Belt buckles (without belt), Boots - climbing, fishing, rubber work boots, ski, waders; Buttons and zippers, Cloth and lace, knitting yarns, and other fabrics, Dry cleaning services, Football pants,

Other taxable items are Golf gloves, Handbags and purses, Handkerchiefs, Hard hats, Helmets - bike, baseball, football, hockey, motorcycle, sports; Ice skates Jewelry, Laundering services, Leather goods - except belts with buckles and wearing apparel, Pads - football, hockey, soccer, elbow, knee, shoulder, Personal flotation devices, Rented clothing (including uniforms, formal wear, and costumes), Roller blades and skates, Safety clothing, glasses; Shoes - bicycle (cleated), bowling, golf.