State officials and local families say the savings come at a crucial time as inflation continues to drive up school supply prices.
TEXAS, USA — As Texas families gear up for the new school year, the state’s annual tax-free weekend is giving them a chance to save big on everything from backpacks to binders.
The sales tax holiday, which runs from Aug. 8 through Aug. 10, applies to school supplies, clothing and footwear priced under $100.
“The savings for folks around the state are $133.2 million just in these three days alone,” State Comptroller Kelly Hancock said. “Pretty significant savings.”
At Sam’s Club in Midland, the aisles were already filling with parents and students looking to check items off their back-to-school lists.
“You’ll be surprised what qualifies as school supplies,” Hancock said. “You can shop online if you choose to, or you can come into the stores and enjoy that experience.”
In-store and online purchases both qualify for the tax break, as long as each item is below the $100 threshold. That includes everything from pencils and notebooks to shoes and lunchboxes.
Local shoppers say the break is a welcome relief.
“I’m pretty excited about it, because of my five kids,” said Adilene Davila, who was shopping at Sam’s Club. “Yeah, they’re pretty excited.”
“That’s a big load off,” said Nancy Gomez, another Midland shopper. “That means I’m not going to have to go 20 million places just to buy a few simple things cheap.”
According to Hancock, prices on school supplies have jumped by nearly 24% since the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the tax holiday helps families stretch their budgets during a time when every dollar counts.
“We’ve seen prices go up,” he said. “School supplies have gone up an estimated 23.7%. And so this savings helps those families.”
But Hancock also said the weekend is about more than just money — it’s about moments.
“As a father and now grandfather, you’ll have fond memories if you bring them into the store and watch those kids get excited about what pens they want and the additional school supplies,” Hancock said. “Let them help you.”
The tax-free weekend ends Sunday, Aug. 10, at midnight, but Sam’s Club in Midland will have deals running for the entire month.
More information, including qualifying items, is available at TexasTaxHoliday.org.