Texas Sales Tax Holiday Coming August 19-21

Here's the official press release on the upcoming sales tax holiday weekend in Texas, August 19-21. This is an extremely popular weekend for Texans shopping 'back to school' items at retail. It's a seemingly small discount of just 8.25%, but I think it's the principle of paying absolutely NO taxes on merchandise that has the big appeal. The tax free weekend also provides a much needed boost to local and state economies. Read below for the official particulars from the Texas Comptroller's Office:

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs says Texas families have a big opportunity to save money when they shop. The state’s annual Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 19-21.

“On that weekend, shoppers will pay no state or local sales tax on many school supplies, school backpacks and most children’s and adults’ clothing and shoes priced at less than $100,” Combs said. “The tax break helps out when the kids’ back-to-school lists are long and money is short.”

This year, Combs predicts shoppers will save $62.1 million in state and local sales taxes during the Sales Tax Holiday.

The tax holiday weekend has been an annual event since 1999. Currently, the Tax Code sets the holiday for the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday in August.

Lists of apparel and school supplies that may be purchased tax free can be found on the Comptroller’s website at www.texastaxholiday.org.