Gov. Perry Encourages Texans to Take Advantage of Annual Sales Tax Holiday

Gov. Rick Perry today encouraged Texans to take advantage of this weekend's sales tax holiday, which exempts school supplies, clothing, shoes and backpacks priced at less than $100 from state and local sales taxes. This year's tax-free weekend runs from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 20, until midnight on Sunday, August 22.

"As part of our state's commitment to educating our children and support for the families who sacrifice to make that possible, it's my pleasure to remind Texans that this weekend marks our 12th annual sales tax holiday for school-related items," Gov. Perry said. "I encourage Texans to hit the stores this weekend, enjoy the benefits of this temporary tax cut, and get their children ready to do their best."

Last year, Gov. Perry signed HB 1801, which added more than two dozen school supply items to the list of exempted materials, ranging from pens and pencils to calculators to some clothing. The bill exempts eligible school supplies under $100 from sales taxes if they are purchased during the tax holiday.

"From Aug. 20-22, shoppers will pay no sales tax on many school supplies, school backpacks and most children's and adults' clothing and shoes priced at less than $100," Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs said. "As our economy continues to recover, this tax break will help families get more bang for their back-to-school bucks."

The tax holiday weekend has been an annual event since 1999. Texas shoppers are expected to save $59.3 million in state and local sales tax during the holiday weekend.

For more information about the sales tax holiday, or to view a list of tax exempt items, please visit http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_490/tx98_490.html.