Macaroni KID Back-to-School Resource 🛍️ Texas Tax-Free Weekend 2026August 7–9, 2026 What qualifies, what doesn't, online shopping rules, and our family-friendly game plan for saving on back-to-school shopping. |
Back-to-school shopping season is here, Texas families — and one of the biggest shopping weekends of the summer is almost here too!
Texas Tax-Free Weekend runs Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9, 2026. During the three-day sales tax holiday, families can purchase many qualifying clothing items, shoes, school supplies, and student backpacks priced under $100 per item without paying state or local sales tax.
And yes — qualifying purchases can be made both in stores and online.
✨ Tax-Free Weekend at a Glance
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👕 Clothes & Shoes That Qualify
Many everyday clothing and footwear items priced under $100 can qualify during the sales tax holiday.
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| 💡 Macaroni Tip: Think beyond the first day of school. If your child will need the next shoe size, jeans, jackets, or other basics soon, this can be a smart weekend to shop ahead. |
✏️ School Supplies That Qualify
Many of the items already sitting on your child's school supply list may qualify when priced under $100.
📓 Binders & notebooks
🖍️ Crayons & markers
✏️ Pencils & pens
📁 Folders
📌 Glue & glue sticks
📏 Rulers & protractors
✂️ Scissors
🧮 Calculators
🍎 Lunch boxes
🗒️ Paper & composition books
🎒 Are Backpacks Tax-Free?
Many student backpacks priced under $100 qualify, including traditional school backpacks, rolling student backpacks, and some messenger-style school bags.
Some bags do not qualify, including luggage, purses, computer bags, duffel bags, and briefcases.
| 🎒 Backpack Reminder: Texas has additional rules for purchasing multiple backpacks, so check the Comptroller's official guidance if you're buying in bulk. |
🚫 What Doesn't Qualify?
Not every back-to-school purchase is included.
- Items priced at $100 or more
- Computers and laptops
- Standard software
- Textbooks
- Jewelry
- Handbags and purses
- Wallets and watches
- Luggage
- Umbrellas
- Some specialty sports and protective equipment
💻 Yes, You Can Shop Online!
Qualifying items can be purchased online, in stores, by phone, by mail, or through other qualifying remote transactions.
The important part is that the purchase takes place during the official sales tax holiday.
| ⏰ Macaroni Tip: Don't wait until the final few minutes Sunday night to check out. A delayed or declined payment could push your completed transaction outside the tax-free weekend. |
📦 Watch Those Shipping Charges
Seller-imposed shipping, delivery, handling, and transportation charges may be included in an item's sales price.
Quick Example 👖 Jeans: $95 📦 Shipping: $10 💰 Total: $105 Because the total exceeds $100, the purchase may become taxable. |
✅ Macaroni KID's Tax-Free Weekend Shopping Checklist
Before you head out — or start filling that online cart — here's our game plan:
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📝 BEFORE THE WEEKEND☐ Pull out each child's school supply list |
🛒 DURING THE WEEKEND☐ Check that each qualifying item is under $100 |
🛍️ Shop Local When You Can!Tax-Free Weekend isn't just for big-box stores. Check your favorite local boutiques, shoe stores, uniform shops, bookstores, and other small businesses. You may find special promotions on top of the tax savings. Check out some Local Stores on our Business Directory Here! |
🔖 Have a Question About a Specific Item?The Texas Comptroller maintains the official list of qualifying items and special purchase rules. View the Official Texas Guide → |
🎒 Your Back-to-School HeadquartersFind local events, after-school activities, family resources, giveaways, deals, and more in our Macaroni KID Back-to-School Guide. Explore the Back-to-School Guide → |
📬 Get the Family Fun Delivered to You!Join local families getting Macaroni KID in their inbox every week — FREE! 🎉 Local Events • 🎁 Giveaways • 💸 Deals |
Please Note: Tax laws and qualifying items may include exceptions. Always refer to the Texas Comptroller for the most current and official Sales Tax Holiday rules before making a purchase.
