Shoppers will pay no State or Local Sales Tax on many schools supplies
By State Rep. Todd Hunter
AUSTIN Texas (Texas Insider Report) Back-to-school is right around the corner and that means the arrival of Texas Annual Sales Tax Holiday. This years Sales Tax Holiday begins today Friday Aug. 9th and goes through midnight on Sunday August 11th.
Its been an annual event since 1999.
Shoppers will pay no State or Local Sales Tax on many schools supplies. As in previous years the law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales and use taxes.
Lay-away plans can also be used to take advantage of the sales tax holiday.
Backpacks under $100 used by Elementary and Secondary Students are also exempt. The backpack exemption includes backpacks with wheels provided they can also be worn on the back like a traditional backpack and messenger bags.
The exemption does not include items that are reasonably defined as luggage briefcases athletic-duffle-gym bags computer bags purses or framed backpacks.
In addition to clothes footwear and backpacks Texas families also get a Sales Tax break on most school supplies priced at less than $100 that are purchased for use by a student in an Elementary or Secondary school.
No exemption certificate is required for holiday purchases with one exception. If the purchaser is buying the supplies under a business account the retailer must obtain an exemption certificate from the purchaser certifying that the items are purchased for use by an Elementary or Secondary school student.
Under a business account" means the purchaser is using a business credit card or business check rather than a personal credit card or personal check.
- To assist families who are planning to take advantage of the savings the Comptrollers Website provides a list of Tax-Free Items.
- This list can be found online at https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/
If you have any questions regarding the Annual Sales Tax Holiday please dont hesitate to contact either my Capitol or District office. Its a busy time of year for parents so my offices are available to assist you at any time with your questions concerns or comments.
As always my offices are available at any time to assist with questions concerns or comments (Capitol Office: 512-463-0672; District Office: 361-949-4603).
And always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas State Agency or if you would like to contact my office regarding Constituent Services.
Texas State Representative Todd Hunter represents Texas House District 32 covering Aransas Calhoun Nueces (Part) and San Patricio Counties. He can be emailed at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov
