State's annual sales event begins Friday
By STEVE REAGAN
Staff Writer
Parents looking for school clothes and supplies for their youngsters will get a bit of a break from the state of Texas.
The state's annual sales tax holiday, in which most clothing, footwear and school supplies priced under $100 can be purchased tax-free, will held Friday through Sunday. According to information released by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, the law exempts most clothing and footwear priced under $100 from sales and use taxes, which could save shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend. Effective this year, in addition to clothes, footwear and some backpacks, Texas families also get a sales tax break on most school supplies priced at less than $100 purchased for use by a student in an elementary or secondary school. This includes paper, pens, pencils, calculators book bags, binders, erasers and other standard school supplies, officials said. Also tax-exempt are back packs. The list of eligible clothing remains fairly unchanged from last year. Among the items that qualify for tax-free status are: • Baby clothes. • Belts with buckles. • Boots (cowboy and hiking). • Diapers. • Dresses. • Gym suits and uniforms. • Hooded shirts and sweatshirts. • Jackets and jeans. • Ties and neck wear. • Pajamas. • Shirts and shoes (including sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis and walking). • Socks and underclothes. Items that will not be tax-exempt include: • Accessories such as barrettes, ponytail holders, wallets and watches. • Belt buckles (without the belt). • Cloth, lace, knitting yarns and other fabrics. • Handbags and purses. • Laundering and dry cleaning services. • Leather goods (except belts with buckles and wearing apparel). • Sports equipment such as baseball cleats and pants, football pads and bowling or golf shoes). Lay-away plans can be used to take advantage of the tax holiday. For more information and a complete list of eligible items, visit the comptroller's Web site at: www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_490/tx98_490.html
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