Tax-free Holiday on horizon

Tag : baby footwear


With prices for food and gas on the rise, consumers looking forrelief on the horizon have something to look forward to in theupcoming Tax-Free Holiday.

The annual tax holiday, started in Texas in 1999 and now in effectin several other states, will be held Aug. 15, 16 and 17 in Texasaccording to the Texas State Comptroller’s website.

Clothing and footwear under $100 and backpacks, priced under $100,for elementary and secondary students only, will be exempt fromsales and use taxes for shoppers in Texas.

Backpacks, one of the popular items purchased by consumers duringthe tax holiday, must have straps positioned on the back and thosewith wheels must be designed to be worn on the back like atraditional backpack.

Guidelines of the tax holiday allow individuals to purchase up to10 backpacks tax-free, at one time, without providing an exemptioncertificate.

Shoppers also may use lay-away plans to take advantage of taxsavings.

Other items that will be exempt during the three-day tax holidayinclude gym suits and uniforms; belts with attached buckles; cowboyand hiking boots; baseball, fishing, golf, knit caps and hats;coats and wraps; baby clothes, diapers; dresses, hooded shirts andsweatshirts, hosiery, jackets and jeans.

School supplies, including books, pens and pencils, were removedfrom the exemption list in Texas several years ago.

For a comprehensive list of exempt and non-exempt items, visitwww.cpa.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx.