Are you planning on shopping tax free?

[Bob Of Burleson]

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

[bodine]

Don't have any needs this year. Kiddos are already back at school...

[ann jusko]

No. In years past, I did buy clothing for the grands on tax free weekend. With the sales they had and tax free, I couldn't resist. But they now pick their own clothing.

[grouchy]

Nope. Not worth it.

[crocmommy]

I started buying stuff yesterday so I could find things before the stores would get picked over. It's really not worth saving $4 or $5 bucks to me to fight the crowd and the picked over selections. I'll just find things on sale and save that way.

[kent]

people would laugh at a 10% off the entire store sale.

[BigTex]

We bought weeks ago. Won't go near a store this weekend.

[LibraryLady]

No.....have a 25% off coupon from Penny's that begins on Monday.
That beats the tax free.