Are you planning on shopping tax free?
Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2014 8:01 am
BRIAN PORTER
Burleson Star
Families can take advantage this weekend of the state's annual Sales Tax Holiday (starting today).
Sales and use taxes will be exempted on most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100, in general saving about $8 on every $100 spent.
Qualifying sales include those made in person, online, by telephone or mail. Lay-away plans can be used to additionally take advantage of tax breaks.
The state's Sales Tax Holiday is Aug. 8-10, as set by the Texas Legislature.
Following is a glance at items that will be exempted this weekend:
• School supplies – Specifically for use by a student in an elementary or secondary school.
• Backpacks – Exemption includes standard backpacks with straps, messenger bags or backpacks with wheels, provided they may be worn on the back like a traditional backpack. Ten or fewer backpacks can be purchased tax-free at one time, assuming each has a value of $99.99 or less.
• Clothing, footwear – Most items sold for less than $100 are exempted. The exemption is not cumulative.
Following is a glance at items that will not be exempted this weekend:
• Items that may reasonably be defined as luggage, briefcases, computer bags, purses, framed backpacks or athletic, duffle or gym bags.
• Clothing or footwear items may not be exempted to the first $99.99 of an otherwise eligible item that sells for more than $99.99.
• Clothing or footwear items primarily designed for athletic or protective uses will not be exempted from tax. However, tennis shoes, jogging suits and swimsuits are commonly worn for purposes other than athletic activity and qualify for the tax exemption.
• Sales tax is due on accessories, including jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches and similar items.
TAX EXEMPTION RULES
Burleson Star
Families can take advantage this weekend of the state's annual Sales Tax Holiday (starting today).
Sales and use taxes will be exempted on most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100, in general saving about $8 on every $100 spent.
Qualifying sales include those made in person, online, by telephone or mail. Lay-away plans can be used to additionally take advantage of tax breaks.
The state's Sales Tax Holiday is Aug. 8-10, as set by the Texas Legislature.
Following is a glance at items that will be exempted this weekend:
• School supplies – Specifically for use by a student in an elementary or secondary school.
• Backpacks – Exemption includes standard backpacks with straps, messenger bags or backpacks with wheels, provided they may be worn on the back like a traditional backpack. Ten or fewer backpacks can be purchased tax-free at one time, assuming each has a value of $99.99 or less.
• Clothing, footwear – Most items sold for less than $100 are exempted. The exemption is not cumulative.
Following is a glance at items that will not be exempted this weekend:
• Items that may reasonably be defined as luggage, briefcases, computer bags, purses, framed backpacks or athletic, duffle or gym bags.
• Clothing or footwear items may not be exempted to the first $99.99 of an otherwise eligible item that sells for more than $99.99.
• Clothing or footwear items primarily designed for athletic or protective uses will not be exempted from tax. However, tennis shoes, jogging suits and swimsuits are commonly worn for purposes other than athletic activity and qualify for the tax exemption.
• Sales tax is due on accessories, including jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches and similar items.
TAX EXEMPTION RULES