Tax-free shopping is coming for start of school

Despite all the uncertainty the effects of COVID19 have caused locally and nationally, the Texas sales tax holiday for school gear and supplies remains one of the few constants remaining in the community.

On Aug. 7-9, parents and students will be able to shop for school supplies and clothing sales tax-free. As long as the purchased school item is below $100, the tax exemption should be in place.

This saves citizens an average of about $8 for every $100 spent. Although this may not seem like the biggest chunk of change on the surface, those school supply costs add up quickly.

According to the Texas comptroller, last year’s holiday produced an estimated $102.2 million in savings for taxpayers.

“Even though significant uncertainty remains for our public and private schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sales tax holiday is a perfect opportunity to save money on school supplies and other tax-free items at a time when many Texans are carefully monitoring their family finances.” Comptroller Glenn Hegar said.

Those who would prefer to shop online are also in luck. All tax exemptions apply to online pur

chases that meet the requirements, whether those orders are by telephone, mail or custom orders. To be taxfree, the order must be delivered to and paid for during the exemption period of Aug. 7-9, or the order must be agreed upon by the seller during this period, even if the delivery is made after Aug. 9.

To see which apparel and supplies may be bought with a tax exemption, visit TexasTaxHoliday.org.

“I think it’s a good deal that you can shop online and still get the sales tax exemption,” Texas comptroller spokesman Kevin Lyons said. “It’s a good alternative way to save money. If you don’t want to go to the brick-andmortar store yourself, you can just get on the computer and patronize your favorite, local retail organization, give them some business and still save money on your sales taxes.”

Shoppers are encouraged by the comptroller’s offices to shop online or practice social distancing if shopping in a store.

The sales tax holiday for Arkansas begins Aug. 1 and ends Aug. 2. Online shoppers will also be exempt, given the purchase meet requirements, in Arkansas.