Texas Tax-Free Weekend 2025
Texas Tax-Free Weekend 2025 – What to Know, What to Buy & How to Make the Most of It
What Is Texas Tax-Free Weekend?
Texas Tax-Free Weekend is every shopper’s dream – a limited-time opportunity where you can buy qualifying items without paying state sales tax (which is usually 6.25% to 8.25%). That may not seem like much at first, but when you’re buying for the entire family or stocking up for back-to-school season, those savings really add up!
| ❌ Not Covered | ✅ Covered |
|---|---|
| Items $100.01+ | Items under $100 |
| Sports gear | School shoes |
| Jewelry, watches | Backpacks |
| Computers, tablets | Calculators |
| Furniture | School uniforms |
When Is Tax-Free Weekend in Texas?
Friday, Aug. 8, through midnight Sunday, Aug. 10.
The event happens once a year, just in time for back-to-school shopping. It’s a statewide initiative to help families save money while preparing for the upcoming school year.
Why Does Texas Offer a Tax-Free Weekend?
The Texas Comptroller’s Office introduced this program to ease the financial burden on families during back-to-school season. But even if you don’t have kids in school, it’s a smart weekend to stock up on essentials or even plan a mini getaway or local service!
What Items Are Tax-Free?
Here’s a breakdown of what qualifies (as long as the item is under $100 each):
Clothing & Footwear (school or everyday use):
- Jeans, T-shirts, dresses
- Sneakers, sandals, school shoes
- Uniforms, gym clothes
- Baby clothes and sleepwear
School Supplies:
- Backpacks
- Binders & folders
- Calculators
- Pens, pencils, paper, glue, scissors
Other Qualifying Items:
- Jackets, windbreakers, raincoats
- Undergarments & socks
- Athletic wear
Link to full list of qualified items
What’s NOT Tax-Free:
Luggage, purses, jewelry, watches, umbrellas, sports gear (like cleats or pads), and computer supplies (unless under a different holiday like EnergyStar or Disaster Preparedness weekend)
Where to Shop for Maximum Savings
Big Box Stores:
- Target (Back-to-school bundles & drive-up pickup)
- Walmart (Affordable basics, snacks, and school gear)
- Academy Sports + Outdoors (Qualifying athleticwear + kids shoes)
- Kohl’s (Clothes & deals with Kohl’s Cash)
Specialty Stores:
- DSW, Famous Footwear, Nike, and Converse Outlets (look for extra % off)
- Old Navy & Gap (stack with coupons for big savings)
- Local boutiques (many participate and run special sales)
Online Retailers:
YES, online purchases shipped to a Texas address also qualify if bought during the weekend!
📦 Smart Services to Enroll During Tax-Free Weekend
- Back-to-School Haircuts – Book now at salons like Great Clips or Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids.
- Photo Sessions – Perfect time for discounted school photos or family portraits.
- Tutoring/Classes – Sign up for fall programs (Kumon, gymnastics, art, dance) during this weekend to get early bird deals.
- House Prep – Deep cleaning services, organizing help, or pest control to start fall fresh.
