Texas Back to School Bonanza: Your Guide to Saving and Shopping Smart!
Ugh, the end of summer is approaching, which means… back to school! But hold on, Texas has your back when it comes to saving money on those school supplies. Here’s your ultimate Texas Back-to-School Buyer’s Guide:
Tax-Free Weekend: Texas has a special tax-free weekend in August! This year, mark your calendars for Friday, August 9th to Sunday, August 11th. During this magical time, you can buy most school supplies, clothes, and shoes under $100 without paying any sales tax. That’s like getting free money – woohoo! Just remember, each item has to be under $100, so stock up on those notebooks and pencils!
Shopping List Savvy: Okay, so tax-free weekend is awesome, but you still need a plan. Here’s a basic shopping list to get you started:
Clothes: Shirts, pants, shorts (depending on your school dress code), pajamas, underwear, socks, gym clothes (check your school’s color requirements!).
Shoes: Sneakers for everyday wear, dress shoes (if required), sandals or boots for changing weather.
School Supplies: Backpack, notebooks, binders, pens, pencils, highlighters, crayons/colored pencils, markers, calculator (if needed), glue sticks, scissors, rulers, protractor (for older grades).
Growing Pains (Without the Pain!): Kids grow like weeds, right? Don’t buy clothes they’ll outgrow in a month! Here are some tips:
Buy clothes with a little extra room. Look for adjustable waistbands or try a size up to allow for growth spurts.
Focus on mix-and-match pieces. A few versatile items can create many different outfits.
Invest in good quality basics. Plain t-shirts, jeans, and solid-colored shirts will last longer and go with everything.
Online Deals Alert! Shopping online can be super convenient, but don’t forget to compare prices! Here are some stores known for August back-to-school sales:
Amazon: They have a huge selection of everything, and keep an eye out for “Lightning Deals” for extra savings.
Target: Check their weekly ad for great deals on clothes, shoes, and school supplies.
Walmart: Another great option for affordable finds on everything you need.
Old Navy: Look for their back-to-school sales with deep discounts on clothes and shoes.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to check your local thrift stores or consignment shops! You can find some amazing deals on gently used clothes and accessories.
So there you have it, your one-stop guide to a Texas Back-to-School Bonanza! With a little planning and these handy tips, you can save money and get your school year off to a great start!
Tax Free WEEKEND: AUG 9 – 11
During Texas’ Tax-Free Weekend, most clothing, footwear, and school supplies are exempt from sales tax, as long as each individual item costs less than $100. Here’s a breakdown of tax-free items:
Clothing:
- Shirts (t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, polos, etc.)
- Pants (jeans, shorts, leggings, etc.)
- Skirts and dresses
- Pajamas and underwear
- Socks
- Hats and gloves (depending on the season)
- Gym clothes (check your school’s color requirements)
Footwear:
- Sneakers (athletic shoes)
- Dress shoes (loafers, flats, etc.)
- Sandals or boots
School Supplies (Under $100 each):
- Backpacks
- Notebooks (wide-ruled, college-ruled, graph paper)
- Binders (subject-specific?)
- Pens (blue, black, red)
- Pencils
- Highlighters
- Crayons/ Colored pencils
- Markers
- Calculator (scientific or graphing?)
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Rulers
- Protractor
- Folders (subject-specific?)
- Index cards
Important Notes:
This list is not exhaustive. It’s always best to check with the Texas Comptroller’s office for the latest guidelines: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/
Remember, the tax exemption applies to each individual item, not your entire purchase. So, if you buy a shirt for $80 and a pair of pants for $120, only the shirt will be tax-free. Some items may be excluded from the tax-free list, such as jewelry, sporting equipment, and certain accessories.
