Texas tax-free weekend 2025 is finally here, and shoppers across the Lone Star State are gearing up for three days of serious savings. Running from August 8 to August 10, this annual event lets Texans skip the sales tax on hundreds of everyday essentials — not just school supplies and clothing. From face masks and diapers to backpacks and even kitchen aprons, the list of surprising tax-free items is longer than you might think. Texas tax-free weekend 2025 is officially here — and if you’re a parent, student, or savvy shopper, you’ll want to mark your calendar and get your shopping lists ready. From Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10, Texans can save big by avoiding sales tax on a wide range of items. While many expect discounts on school supplies and kids’ clothing, this year’s list includes a few surprising tax-free items that could help families save even more. What qualifies as tax-free during Texas sales tax holiday 2025? From August 8 to August 10, you’ll get a break from the state’s 6.25% sales tax — and possibly even local taxes — on many common back-to-school and everyday essentials. Here’s what’s covered: Most clothing and footwear under $100 per item – includes school uniforms, casual wear, sneakers, sandals, and everyday kids’ clothing. School supplies under $100 per item – eligible items include notebooks, binders, pens, crayons, scissors, calculators, and even some art and drawing pads. Backpacks priced under $100 each – includes wheeled backpacks, messenger bags, and traditional book bags. Shoppers can buy up to 10 backpacks tax-free at once. 🔹 All purchases — whether in-store, online, by phone, or by mail — must be made during the three-day tax-free window to qualify. Surprising tax-free items you probably didn’t expect While school supplies and kids’ clothes are expected, Texas’s tax-free weekend 2025 includes some surprising eligible items you might not know about. Here are a few standout tax-free categories: Face masks — both cloth and disposable are included With health-conscious shopping still trending, the state continues to consider face masks as qualifying clothing. Both cloth and disposable masks are tax-free — as long as they’re not medical-grade N95 or surgical respirators. Baby and adult diapers are tax-free too This is a big win for parents and caregivers. Both baby diapers and adult incontinence products fall under the tax-free clothing category — as long as each package is priced under $100.Live Events Kitchen aprons and home-use garments Simple household aprons, oven mitts, and other utility garments are eligible — as long as they’re not classified as industrial or specialized gear like welder’s aprons. Pajamas, tie-dye tees, and even Halloween costumes Yes, you read that right. Clothing meant for lounging or even light costumes worn for fun (not performance) are tax-free if under $100. So are robes, pajamas, hair turbans, and everyday athletic wear like joggers and sweatshirts. Basic athletic wear makes the cut Leggings, tennis shoes, sweatpants, and workout tops count as long as they can be worn in everyday life — but professional sports gear like football pads, ballet shoes, or cleats are not covered. Common items that do not qualify during the tax-free weekend It’s important to know what’s not tax-free, even if the price is under $100. Avoid assuming everything is covered. Here are common items still taxed during the weekend: Jewelry, wallets, purses, and handbags Luggage, duffle bags, and laptop cases Hair accessories, watches, umbrellas, and cosmetic bags Clothing rental fees, alterations, and repairs Specialty or protective sports equipment Sewing items like fabric, buttons, thread, and zippers Don’t forget about online orders, shipping, and layaways All qualifying items are tax-free as long as the purchase is paid for during the holiday period — regardless of when they’re delivered or picked up. Here’s how it works: Online purchases made between Aug 8–10 qualify, even if they’re shipped later. Layaway items count if placed or paid off during the tax-free window. Shipping and handling charges count toward the $100 cap. For example, a $96 item with $8 shipping will be taxed, because the total exceeds $100. Business and school bulk orders need special paperwork If you're buying school supplies for a business or organization, you'll need to provide the retailer with a tax exemption certificate (Form 01-339). For personal purchases, no extra forms or documentation are needed. How to get a refund if you’re charged sales tax in error If a retailer accidentally charges tax on an eligible item, you can: Request a refund directly from the store. If the store can’t process it, ask for Form 00-985 and submit it to the Texas Comptroller’s office to claim your refund. Key ways to save more during Texas tax-free weekend Check big-box store ads (like Walmart, Target, and H-E-B) — they often highlight tax-free eligible items. Separate your purchases to avoid bundling items that push the price above $100. Pay attention to online checkout totals — shipping fees can sneakily push an item over the cap. Stick to essentials and focus on items your family actually needs for the school year. Quick cheat sheet: What’s tax-free and what’s not? ItemTax-Free?LimitKids’ and adults’ clothingYes<$100/itemSchool suppliesYes<$100/itemFace masksYes<$100/itemDiapers (baby and adult)Yes<$100/itemPajamas and robesYes<$100/itemBackpacksYes<$100/item (up to 10)Jewelry and handbagsNo—Laptop bags and luggageNo—Athletic gear and cleatsNo—A rare chance to save big on essentials Texas tax-free weekend 2025 isn’t just for school shopping — it’s your opportunity to stock up on a wide range of clothing, supplies, and home essentials without paying a cent in sales tax. With surprising items like face masks, aprons, and diapers on the exempt list, there’s more value than most people expect. Just remember: the savings only apply from August 8 through August 10, so make your list, plan your trip — or fill that cart online — and take advantage of one of Texas’s best back-to-school deals.FAQs: Q1: What can I buy tax-free during Texas tax-free weekend 2025? You can buy clothing, school supplies, backpacks, diapers, and more — all under $100. Q2: When is the 2025 Texas sales tax holiday? It runs from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, 2025.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onwhat is tax free texas (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onwhat is tax free texas(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless Explore More Stories123