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Ready ... Set... SHOP!
Many parents of schoolage children have held off on buying back-to-school clothes until this weekend in order to benefit from the extra 8.25 percent savings. A number of savvy shop owners are offering sales and discounts to coincide with the sales tax holiday just to be competitive. For three days this weekend starting at midnight 12:01 a.m. Friday. Date for the annual sales tax holiday has been changed from the first to the third weekend of August. Added to the list of tax free items will be backpacks - if they cost less than $100 and will be used by an elementary or secondary student. Texas Comptroller Susan Combs has announced that backpacks can now be purchased tax free during the sales tax holiday for elementary and secondary school students.
Since school districts are starting their school year later, the 80th Legislature changed the date of the sales tax holiday to be closer to the first day of school. During the sales tax holiday, children's and adults' clothing, shoes priced less than $100, as well as backpacks costing less than $100, are exempt from state and local sales taxes. "The Legislature responded to parents' requests to add backpacks to the list of taxexempt items," Combs said. "Backpacks can be expensive, especially for parents who have to buy them for several children. A tax break helps." Ms. Combs also announced beginning in May 2008, energy-efficient appliances will be exempt from sales tax during the three-day Memorial Day weekend. Certain appliances with a federal Energy Star rating will be tax-free, including washing machines, dishwashers, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats and incandescent fluorescent light bulbs. Air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less and refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less can also be purchased tax free. "Texas consumers will save approximately $8 for every $100 they spend on qualifying appliances," Ms. Combs said. "Even more importantly, they will reap savings on their utility bills by purchasing energy-efficient appliances, and the demand for electricity will be reduced." The Comptroller predicts families will save about $52.1 million in sales taxes during the August sales tax holiday. More information about the August sales tax holiday for clothing and shoes can be found on the Comptroller's Web site at www.window. state.tx.us. The following items qualify for the Tax Holiday Baby clothes Backpacks for elementary and secondary students Belts with attached buckles Boots - cowboy, hiking Caps/hats - baseball, fishing, golf, knitted Coats and wraps Diapers - adult and baby Dresses Gloves (generally) Gym suits and uniforms Hooded shirts and hooded sweatshirts Hosiery Jackets Jeans Jerseys - baseball and football Jogging apparel Neckwear and ties Pajamas Pants and trousers Raincoats and ponchos Robes Shirts Shoes - sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis, walking Socks (including athletic) Shorts Suits, slacks, and jackets Sweatshirts Sweat suits Sweaters Swimsuits Underclothes Work clothes and uniforms The items listed below DO NOT qualify Accessories (generally) - barrettes, elastic ponytail holders, wallets, watches Backpacks - unless purchase is for elementary/secondary students Baseball cleats and pants Belt buckles (without belt) Boots - climbing, fishing, rubber work boots, ski, waders Buttons and zippers Cloth and lace, knitting yarns and other fabrics Dry cleaning services Football pants Golf gloves Handbags and purses Handkerchiefs Hard hats Helmets - bike, baseball, football, hockey, motorcycle, sports Ice skates Jewelry Laundering services Leather goods - except belts with buckles and wearing apparel Pads - football, hockey, soccer, elbow, knee, shoulder Personal flotation devices Rented clothing (including uniforms, formal wear, and costumes) Roller blades and skates Safety clothing, glasses Shoes - bicycle (cleated), bowling, golf | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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