Sales tax holiday weekend — the first sign that kids are about to go back to school. This year’s weekend of sales tax free shopping happens August 5-7 as determined by the Texas legislature. Most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks are free from sales tax if purchased — or put on layaway— during this time.
Shoppers can save around $8 for every $100 spent on back-to-school shopping. Purchases made in store as well as online and by phone with Texas retailers are included in the exemption. 
Sales tax free weekend began in 1999. The goal was to help families save money on everything needed to get children ready to go back to school. Last year, Texans saved more than $87 million in state and local sales taxes, according to the Texas Comptroller’s office. 
Some details about what you can and can’t purchase tax free is important to know before you get to the cash register.
For example, exemptions for footwear and backpacks are for items priced under $100. You can buy as many $99.99 shoes as you want, but if it’s $100 or more, you will have to pay sales tax. Also, the sales tax is due on the entire price, not just the amount over the $99.99.
Taxes will be collected on items such as jewelry, handbags, purses, briefcases, luggage, umbrellas, wallets and other similar items. 
Information on the sales tax free day can be found on the Comptroller’s website.