KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 7, 2019
By Jennifer Miko
This year, tax-free weekend starts August 9 and runs through August 11 at midnight. We’ve got your guide to what’s taxable and what’s exempt so you can make your shopping list now.
During this annual sales tax event, shoppers can buy assorted clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than $100) tax-free from Texas stores or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas.
1. Shoppers Can Save on Wardrobe Essentials
Most clothing, from undergarments to outerwear, will be tax-exempt. Take advantage of this tax-free weekend to get the kids’ back-to-school clothes and shoes. For the extra-curricular activities, you can get a tax break on sneakers, work-out clothes, swimsuits, jogging apparel and so much more.
Check the Texas Comptroller’s website here for a complete list of taxable and tax-exempt items.
2. Stock up on School Supplies
Only the school supplies on this list, priced under $100, qualify for exemption from tax during the sales tax holiday. Computers and textbooks are not eligible for the exemption.
Binders
Blackboard chalk
Book bags
Calculators
Cellophane tape
Compasses
Composition books
Crayons
Erasers
Folders – expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila
Glue, paste and paste sticks
Highlighters
Index cards
Index card boxes
Kits*
Legal pads
Lunch boxes
Markers (including dry erase markers)
Notebooks
Paper – loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper
Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes
Pencil sharpeners
Pencils
Pens
Protractors
Rulers
Scissors
Writing tablets
* Texas Comptroller website posts: “For kits of school supplies that contain exempt items, as well as taxable ones, the taxability depends on the value of exempt or taxable items in it. There is no limit on the quantity of school supplies in a kit, but if the value of the exempt items is more than the taxable ones, the kit is exempt. If the value of the taxable items is more than the exempt ones, then the kit is taxable.”
3. Assorted Uniforms Make the List
Gym suits and uniforms for physical education classes
Scout uniforms
Religious clothing
Work uniforms
Chef uniforms
Graduation caps and gowns
4. Save on Unexpected Tax-exempt Items
Diapers (cloth and disposable)
Children’s novelty costumes
Adult diapers
Fishing (non-flotation) and hunting vests
5. Not Everything is Tax-exempt
Backpacks are on the list (for elementary and secondary school use). However, luggage, briefcases, purses and wallets do not qualify for the exemption. Other items you won’t get the tax break on include jewelry, ice skates and cleats (for assorted sports), protective sports gear and batteries.
For a complete list of taxable and tax-exempt items, visit the Texas Comptroller website here.
6. Local Retailers Offer Extended Hours
Katy Mills Mall offers extended hours for shoppers this weekend:
Friday, August 9
9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Saturday, August 10
9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday, August 11
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
For full details, visit Simon Guest Services, or find more information online here.