As the school year approaches, many families are heading to the store to purchase school supplies and clothing, and Katy State Rep. Bill Callegari is urging residents to take advantage of the upcoming sales tax holiday.
Texas shoppers will get a break from state and local sales taxes during the annual sales tax holiday Aug. 20 – 22. During the holiday, qualifying clothing, footwear and school supplies can be purchased tax-free.
Merchandise eligible for the sales tax holiday includes most clothing and footwear priced under $100, as well as backpacks and school supplies that are priced less than $100 and purchased for use by a student in elementary or secondary school. Specific items that may be purchased tax free includes baby clothes, gym suits, backpacks for elementary and secondary students, lunch boxes, book bags, and calculators.
The sales tax holiday does not apply to computers, furniture, and most clothing accessories.
“I encourage people to take advantage of this sales tax holiday opportunity,” Callegari said. “This once a year tax holiday helps Texans save money while preparing their families for the upcoming school year.”
The sales tax holiday applies to both online and in-store purchases. Layaway plans can be used to take advantage of the sales tax holiday.
In 2009, the 81st Texas Legislature passed HB 1801 expanding the list of items that qualify for exemption to include most school supplies priced under $100, in addition to the previous exemptions for clothing, footwear, and backpacks.
Callegari was a supporter of the measure to expand the sales tax holiday purchases, and voted in favor of HB 1801.
More information regarding the sales tax holiday, including an all-inclusive list of qualifying items, can be obtained by calling 800-252-5555 or visiting the State Comptroller’s website at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_490/tx98_490.html
By: InstantNewsKaty Staff on Thu, Jul 29, 2010
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