As industry name brands and small businesses navigate the coronavirus pandemic, Texas will still celebrate its state sales tax holiday Aug. 7-9.

Clothing, footwear, school supplies and other items will be sold sales tax-free during the three-day holiday, as outlined by Texas state law, according to a July 23 news release. The Texas Legislature is responsible for setting the date of the annual holiday as well as denoting which items will receive sales tax exemptions.

“Even though significant uncertainty remains for our public and private schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sales tax holiday is a perfect opportunity to save money on school supplies and other tax-free items at a time when many Texans are carefully monitoring their family finances,” state Comptroller Glenn Hegar said in the release. “Online shopping is covered, so I encourage all Texans to shop online or practice social distancing when making in-store purchases. We want folks to stay safe while saving money.”

Given the current pandemic, the Texas comptroller of public accounts has outlined measures shoppers can take while adhering to social distancing. Sales tax-exempt purchases can be made online, over the phone, by mail or via custom order during the following circumstances:

  • the item is paid for and delivered to the customer during the three-day time frame;

  • the customer orders and pays for the item, and the item is received and accepted by the seller during the three-day time frame; and

  • for immediate shipment, even when the item is delivered following the three-day time frame.


Texas' sales tax holiday weekend has been celebrated annually since 1999, per the release. For purchases made on tax-exempt items, customers save approximately $8 on every $100 spent, the release added. The 2019 holiday weekend garnered around $102 million in savings for taxpayers, according to the release.

For a list of qualifying items, click here.