Overview
- The annual tax-free window exempts qualifying clothing, backpacks and specified school supplies priced under $100 per item during the Aug. 7–9 period.
- Delivery, shipping, handling and other seller charges count toward an item's total price so added fees that push a purchase above $100 make it ineligible for the exemption.
- Shoppers may buy tax-free in stores or place online, phone, mail or catalog orders only if those orders are paid for during the exemption window even when delivery happens later.
- Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Houston-area Democratic state representatives say they will file legislation when bill filing opens in November 2027 to expand the holiday to about 30 days for the full month of August.
- The program dates to 1999 and officials say it has saved Texas families more than $2 billion over time while supporters note the holiday helps working families and lowers out-of-pocket spending by teachers on classroom supplies.