By Janet Jacobs
Corsicana Daily Sun
Corsicana —
This was the year for procrastinators to save money since Texas’ annual Sales Tax Holiday begins Friday and finishes the day before school starts.
“This is the 12th straight year in which families will take advantage of sales tax savings,” Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said. “This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 20–22, shoppers can stock up on tax-free school supplies, school backpacks and most children’s and adults’ clothing and shoes priced at less than $100.”
Sales taxes in Texas are just over 8 cents on a dollar, so spending $100 will save a family $8 in taxes.
In the last two legislative sessions, the Texas legislature approved expanding the list of tax-free items, and moving it closer to the start of the school year. Most schools in Texas will start Monday.
Among the items that will be tax free this weekend are binders and notebooks, book bags and most backpacks, calculators, tape, chalk, compasses, crayons, erasers, folders, glue and paste, highlighters, markers, index cards and boxes, legal pads, lunch boxes, paper, pens, pencils, rulers, scissors and protractors.
Most clothing for children and teens is included, but there are exceptions.
Items that will still be taxed include sports equipment, such as athletic pads, helmets and cleats; accessories, such as barrettes, wallets and watches; rented clothing, skates, purses, and bookbags with frames or wheels.
Cowboy and hiking boots are tax free, but climbing, fishing, rubber work boots, ski boots and waders are taxed.
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Janet Jacobs may be reached via e-mail at jacobs@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “sound off” to this article? E-mail: Soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com
