Your Guide to Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend 2024 in Texas, Plus Tips and Tricks to Find the Best Deals on Eligible School Supplies
As the new academic year approaches, parents and students alike start preparing for the back-to-school season. One of the most anticipated events during this time is the Texas Sales Tax Holiday, a perfect opportunity to save money on essential school supplies.
This year’s sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 9, and goes through midnight Sunday, Aug. 11.
In this comprehensive guide, we will tel you how to get the most out of the sales tax holiday in Texas for 2024, and give you tips and tricks to help you maximize your savings and find the best deals on back-to-school supplies!
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What is the 2024 Sales Tax Holiday in Texas?
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts announced tax-free holidays earlier this year for emergency preparation supplies, Energy Star and water-efficient products, footwear, clothing, and school supplies. While the dates for other exemptions have already passed, the upcoming tax-free weekend is specifically to cover school supplies!
When is the Tax-Free Weekend in Texas?
The Texas Sales Tax Holiday is an annual event that allows shoppers to purchase qualifying items without paying state sales tax. Even items with handling and transportation charges can still qualify for the exemption.
In 2024, this tax free weekend will take place from Friday, August 9th to midnight Sunday, August 11th, providing a three-day window for consumers to buy their back to school essentials without the added cost of sales tax. Mark your calendars and start planning your shopping trips to take full advantage of this opportunity.
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What School Supplies Are Eligible for Tax Exemption?
Generally, eligible school supplies include items such as backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, and other essential classroom supplies. Additionally, many items of clothing and footwear are also exempt from sales tax if their individual prices are below a certain threshold (items sold for $100 or more are not eligible for this sales tax exemption).
If you’re buying products online, be sure to factor in delivery, shipping, handling, and transportation costs to determine if the item you’re buying will qualify for the sales tax exemption, because all of those charges are incorporated into the item’s sales price (and remember, an item can’t sell for $100 or more to qualify). Often online sellers will already account for the sales tax exemption during this weekend, but if during checkout you see that you are being charged sales tax, you can ask the seller for a correction or refund.
If you purchase a qualifying item during the sales tax holiday and yet still pay sales tax on it, you can request a refund by submitting a refund claim form (form 00-985) with the Comptroller’s office.
Eligible School Supplies:
- Binders
- Blackboard chalk
- Book bags
- Calculators
- Cellophane tape
- Compasses
- Composition books
- Crayons
- Erasers
- Folders (includes expandable, pocket, plastic and manila folders)
- Glue, paste and paste sticks
- Highlighters
- Index cards and index card boxes
- Legal pads
- Lunch boxes
- Markers (includes dry erase markers)
- Notebooks
- Paper (includes loose leaf ruled notebook paper, graph paper, tracing paper, copy paper, manila paper, construction paper, colored paper, and poster board)
- Pencil boxes and other types of school supply boxes
- Pencil sharpeners
- Pencils
- Pens
- Protractors
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Writing tablets
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Eligible Clothing and Footwear:
- Dresses and skirts
- Hats and caps
- Jackets and coats
- Pants and jeans
- Scarves and gloves
- Shirts and blouses
- Shoes, boots and sandals
- Sleepwear
- Socks, hosiery and underwear
- Tennis shoes, running shoes, cross trainers, etc.
- Uniforms (includes sports uniforms, scouts uniforms, etc.)
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What Items Are Not Eligible for Tax Exemption?
Not all items qualify for the sales tax exemption during the Texas tax-free weekend:
- Items sold for $100 or more
- Framed backpacks
- Athletic, gym or duffle bags
- Clothing subscription boxes
- Clothing or footwear specifically crafted for sports activities or safety purposes.
- Purpose-built sportswear or safety-oriented garments and shoes
- Materials utilized for creating or mending garments, including textiles, sewing thread, knitting yarn, fasteners like buttons, snaps, hooks, and zippers
- Jewelry, handbags, purses, luggage, umbrellas, briefcases, wallets, watches and other types of accessories
- Computers
- Software
- Textbooks
- Computer bags
How Much Can You Save During the Sales Tax Holiday?
The amount you can save during the sales tax holiday depends on your total expenditure on qualifying items. As Texas has a sales tax rate of 6.25%, shopping during the tax-free weekend can lead to significant savings, especially for larger purchases. For example, if you spend $200 on back-to-school supplies, you would save $12.50 in sales tax. These savings can add up quickly, freeing up more of your budget for other important expenses.
Whether You’re Shopping During the 2024 Texas Tax-Free Weekend or Afterward, You’ll Still Want to Find the Best Deals on Back-to-School Supplies!
First, Create a Shopping List of Back-to-School Items
To find the best deals and sales on school supplies, it is essential to plan ahead and create a shopping list of the items you’ll need. If you’re shopping during the tax-free weekend, be sure to highlight the items that qualify so you don’t overlook items that you can save money on!
Start by listing out all the back-to-school supplies your child will need for the upcoming school year, including qualifying school supplies. This should include basics such as notebooks, backpacks, pens, and pencils, as well as any specific items required by their school or teachers. Remember, many of these items qualify as tax-free during the tax-free weekend 2024. Having a list will help you stay focused and ensure you don’t forget any important purchases.
Need Help Finding Your School’s Shopping List?
TeacherLists, an online service for school supply lists, collaborates with H-E-B stores across Texas to offer school supply lists in-store.
Are you not near an H-E-B? Many other retailers also provide school supply lists, including Walmart, Target, Staples, Office Depot and Walgreens.
If you still can’t find your child’s school supply list, don’t worry! Just reach out to your school district for help (they’re used to getting this question!)
Budgeting for the Tax-Free Weekend
While the sales tax holiday offers an excellent opportunity to save, it’s still important to budget for your shopping spree to avoid overspending. Determine how much you can afford to spend on back-to-school supplies, and stick to this budget as closely as possible. Consider prioritizing purchases of essential items and taking advantage of any deals or discounts available during the tax-free weekend to stretch your budget further.
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Where Are the Best Places to Shop for Back-to-School Supplies During the Tax-Free Weekend?
Top Picks and Tips for In-Store Shopping
Finding the very best deals and savings on back-to-school supplies requires a bit of research and strategic planning. We’ve collected some of the best resources for finding cheap school supplies, sales and deals on clothes, and more, so you don’t have to search endlessly on where to purchase qualifying school supplies!
For those who prefer in-store shopping, major retail stores like Walmart, Target, and Staples are excellent choices for purchasing back-to-school supplies. These stores often offer extensive inventories of qualifying items and run special sales during the tax-free weekend. Shopping in-store allows you to see the products firsthand and potentially discover additional in-store-only discounts and deals.
Best Online Shopping Websites for School Supplies
If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, websites like Amazon, Walmart’s online store, and Office Depot’s online portal provide a wide range of school supplies. These platforms often have competitive prices and offer additional benefits such as free shipping or online-exclusive discounts. Shopping online also allows you to easily compare prices and read customer reviews to ensure you are getting a good deal.
In-person or online, it’s nice to know you have a lot of freedom in where your qualifying items can be purchased!
Whether you purchase from a Texas store in-person, or an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas, we can help take the stress out of your back to school shopping!
Walmart
Best Place to Get Everything on Your List at Once
Even though there might be a Walmart close by with fantastic bargains, it often feels like they’re out of stock on what you need, especially during the hectic back-to-school period. That’s why we suggest doing your school supply shopping online at Walmart. This way, you can also tackle the rest of your shopping list effortlessly.
Staples
Best for Shoppers Who Wait Until the Last-Minute
If you’re on the hunt for essential back-to-school supplies, look no further than Staples to buy qualifying school supplies. This one-stop shop is likely to have everything you need, even if you’re making those last-minute purchases of school supplies and backpacks. From little kids to big kids, Staples offers a wide range of options and frequently features fantastic deals on their school products during tax-free weekend 2024.
Michael’s
Best Choice for One-of-a-Kind Art Supplies
Are you seeking to add a dash of extra fun to your art supplies for the upcoming school year? Look no further than Michael’s! Their selection is not only a blast but also filled with unique items you won’t easily find at other school supply stores. You can find delightful products like gel crayons, double-ended markers, and pastel mechanical pencils. Beyond just the essentials, Michael’s stocks a wide variety of back-to-school basics, creative storage solutions, and engaging crafts perfect for after-school activities. It’s the ultimate one-stop destination for all things creative, and with their unbeatable deals and coupons, you’ll be saving while you shop!
Old Navy
Best for School Uniforms and Inexpensive Back-to-School Attire
Back-to-school shopping is far more exciting than just grabbing pencils and backpacks, especially if uniforms are part of your student’s dress code. Look no further than Old Navy for budget-friendly uniform options — they even offer a one-year warranty on all uniforms! If your student’s uniform starts showing wear and tear, you can receive a full refund within a year, as long as you have the original receipt.
But that’s not all! Old Navy is your go-to destination for a complete range of shoes and accessories, including trendy backpacks. And if it’s time for a wardrobe upgrade, they’ve got stylish options for everyone in the family, parents included!
Target
Best for Must-Haves and School Supply Essentials
Target is an excellent destination for gathering back-to-school necessities for students of any grade, all while being kind to your wallet. The bonus? You aren’t forced to buy items in bulk, unlike some online stores (let’s be honest, who really needs 12 erasable markers at once?). Remember, you’ll need to hit a $35 minimum to snag free shipping from Target, but let’s face it, reaching that amount is a breeze!
Amazon
Best for Back-to-School Kits and Bundles
If you’re already a Prime member, Amazon offers an incredible opportunity to save big on school supplies. Plus, they have a fantastic range of supply kit bundles, perfect for anyone unsure of what to get. And if you’re not a Prime member yet, signing up for Amazon’s free 30-day trial is definitely a smart move to snag that free speedy shipping before the school year kicks off. Just remember to cancel it if you decide not to continue with Prime. Your qualifying purchase will still qualify for savings if done during tax-free weekend 2024. Go ahead and make the most of these benefits!
Comparing Deals to Save the Most Money
Comparing deals across different retailers is crucial to maximizing your savings during the tax-free weekend. Look out for price matching policies, which can help you get the best price where you’re already shopping even if a competitor has a lower price! Spend some time doing this comparison work, and you will be well-positioned to save money on your back-to-school shopping by focusing on items that would otherwise be taxable items.
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What Are the Most Affordable School Supplies to Buy During the Sales Tax Holiday?
Cheapest School Supplies: Notebooks, Backpacks, and More
Even among qualifying items, some school supplies are more affordable than others. Notebooks, for example, can range from very inexpensive to high-end depending on the brand and material. Backpacks also come in a variety of price ranges, but there are many affordable options that still offer durability and style. Focus on these less expensive items to maximize your savings and ensure you have all the necessities for the school year.
Finding the Best Offers on Qualifying Items
During the tax-free weekend, many retailers will offer additional sales and promotions on qualifying items, making it a great time to shop for qualifying school supplies. Take advantage of these offers to stretch your budget further. Look for bundle deals where you can purchase multiple items at a discounted rate, or special promotions where a purchase might come with a free item or additional discounts on future purchases. Sign up for store loyalty programs, which can offer members exclusive discounts or early access to sales.
Strategies to Maximize Your Savings
To get the most out of the sales tax holiday, combine multiple strategies. Use coupons whenever possible, take advantage of loyalty program discounts, and time your shopping to coincide with the best sales. Don’t hesitate to price match or ask for discounts on bulk purchases. By combining these approaches, you can ensure that you are getting the most value out of the tax-free weekend.
What Else Do You Need to Know About the Texas Tax-Free Weekend for Back-to-School Supplies?
Detailed List of Qualifying Items
The Texas Comptroller provides a detailed list of qualifying items for the sales tax holiday, which is a crucial resource for shoppers. This list includes a wide range of back-to-school supplies from notebooks and backpacks to footwear and certain clothing items. Checking this list beforehand will help ensure that all your purchases are eligible for the sales tax exemption.
Understanding the Limits and Exceptions
It’s important to be aware of the limits and exceptions during the tax-free weekend. For instance, certain higher-priced items or specialty equipment might not be eligible for the sales tax exemption. Additionally, any single item costing more than $100 typically does not qualify. Knowing these exceptions will help you plan your shopping and avoid unexpected costs.
Ensuring Your Purchases are Exempt from Sales Tax
To ensure that your purchases are exempt from sales tax, always check the qualifying status of items before you buy. Keep receipts and any price-related documentation in case you need to verify purchases. When shopping online, make sure the retailer is applying the tax exemption correctly. Many online retailers will automatically adjust the prices of eligible items during the tax-free weekend, but it’s always good practice to double-check before completing your purchase.