Texas Tax Free Weekend 2009 set for August 21-23

Just in time for school, Texas' Tax Free Weekend 2009 is set to occur on August 21 through 23.  This sales tax holiday enables Texans to save a bit of money by avoiding sales tax on eligible back-to-school products.  Purchasing back-to-school essentials such as eligible clothing, footwear and school supplies will save Texans $8 on every $100 spent.  For families stretching their budgets, the sales tax holiday is a welcome boon in today's economy.

Texas Tax Free Weekend:  Dates

The Lone Star State's tax free weekend begins on Friday, August 21 and concludes on Sunday, August 23.  Any purchases made outside of these dates will be subject to the appropriate sales tax.

Texas Tax Free Weekend:  Clothing cost limits

According to the information listed on the State's Comptroller's website page, most clothing and footwear is exempt from sales tax during the tax free holiday weekend, provided that each items retails for $100.00 or less.  The same website page lists the eligible clothing items, as well as some that are ineligible for purposes of comparison.  Many products associated with sports such as ice skates, hiking boots, waders, etc. are not eligible.  However, normal footwear such as sneakers and tennis shoes is eligible.  Backpacks are included under the clothing exemption so long as they are for use by elementary or middle school student only.  Even baby clothing is exempt under the Act during the tax free weekend.

New this year for Texas' Tax Free Weekend:  school supplies

This year, tax free status was granted to other essential back-to-school supplies, such as pencils, pens, notebooks, etc.  The list provided on the state website is all-inclusive.  If the item is not on the list, it is not an eligible item.  Like clothing, the item must retail for $100.00 or less.  The list includes lunch boxes among other common supplies such as crayons, paper products and markers. 

Tip:  Print the list before venturing out shopping during the tax free weekend.

Texans close to the Oklahoma border:  Oklahoma's tax free weekend

For Texans close enough to Oklahoma, Oklahoma is hosting its own tax free weekend.  From Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9, Oklahoma will allow consumers to purchase clothing and footwear valued at less than $100 per item tax free.   For Texas brides, the Oklahoma tax free eligible list does include wedding apparel.  Considering the cost of a bridal dress, it may behoove a future bride to at least window shop during Oklahoma's tax free weekend.

Texans close to the New Mexico border:  New Mexico's tax free weekend

In themarket for a new computer?  Cross the border into New Mexico during New Mexico's tax free weekend August 7-9.  There, a new computer costing $1,000 or less can be purchased sales tax free.  Computer peripherals are also eligible, provided the cost is $500 or less.

Head to Louisiana for its tax free weekend

Now in its 20th year, Louisiana's tax free shoping program is set for August 7 and August 8.  During Louisiana's tax free weekend, the state's 4% sales tax is suspended, provided the purchased item is $2,500 or less.  There are exceptions, but most items are covered.

Savvy shoppers close to these border states can cherry pick the sales in other states and then pick up the remaining needed items later during Texas' tax free holiday.

Sources:

http://www.tax.ok.gov/faq/faqsth016.html

http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_490/tx98_490.html

http://revenue.louisiana.gov/sections/general/hottopics/salestaxholiday.aspx#ind-eligible

http://www.tax.state.nm.us/pubs/B-200_18.pdf