Ahead of the 2026 school year, the Texas Comptroller’s Office encourages all taxpayers to support Texas businesses while saving money on tax-free purchases on most clothing and school supplies during the annual tax-free weekend from Aug. 7-9.
What you need to know
A variety of school supplies and clothing items can be purchased from a Texas store or an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas. In most cases, exemption certificates are not required to buy qualifying items tax free, according to the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
Qualifying items include:
- Clothing
- Footwear
- School supplies
- Face masks
- Backpacks
A full list of tax free items can be found online.
“Since 1999, Texans have saved more than $2 billion on everything from coats to crayons and scissors to sneakers in preparation for the back-to-school bell,” State Comptroller Don Huffines said in a news release. “But this holiday initiative isn’t just about short-term relief — it’s a cornerstone of financial support for Texas families, reducing the cost burden of essential educational supplies and clothing.”
Also of note
Qualifying items must be priced at less than $100 to be eligible for the tax exemption, according to the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
