Aug. 8, 2023—In preparation for the 2023-2024 school year, shoppers can take advantage of the state’s annual tax holiday, scheduled for Aug. 11-13.

During the three-day holiday (Friday-Sunday), customers will be exempt from the standard 8.25-percent sales and use tax charge for most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100. The potential savings are included for qualifying items purchased online or by telephone or mail.

Backpacks priced less than $100 for use by elementary and secondary students are exempt, as are backpacks with wheels that can be worn like a traditional backpack, and messenger bags. Not all qualify, as certain backpacks that are defined as luggage, briefcases, athletic bags, computer bags and purses are not exempt.

An exemption certificate is not required for supplies unless purchases are made under a business account. In that case, the retailer must obtain an exemption certificate from the purchaser, which certifies the items purchased are for an elementary or secondary school student.

In addition, back-to-school shoppers can use layaway plans to take advantage of the tax holiday.

The tax holiday has occurred in Texas since 1999, with a number of other states also holding similar weekends in August.

For a full list of tax-free and taxable items during the holiday and additional resources, please refer to the website of Glenn Hegar, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/).