HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston-area school districts are preparing to return to the classroom, which means it’s time for the annual back-to-school Tax-Free weekend.
When is this year’s Tax-Free weekend?
The 2026 back-to-school Tax-Free weekend runs Friday, Aug. 7 through midnight on Sunday, Aug. 9.
Where can I shop during Tax-Free weekend?
You can shop for items in-store, online, by telephone, mail, or custom order. But you have to make the purchase during the specific time period of the back-to-school Tax-Free weekend.
What items qualify?
Shoppers can save money on tax-free purchases of most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks that are less than $100.
For a full list of clothing items, click here.
Eligible school supplies include:
Backpacks (including backpacks with wheels and messenger bags)BindersBlackboard chalkBook bagsCalculatorsCellophane tapeCompassesComposition booksCrayonsErasersFolders (expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila)Glue, paste and paste sticksHighlightersIndex cardsIndex card boxesLegal padsLunch boxesMarkers (including dry erase markers)NotebooksPaper (loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper)Pencil boxes and other school supply boxesPencil sharpenersPencilsPensProtractorsRulersScissorsWriting tabletsWhat items don’t qualify?Items sold for $100 or moreComputersSoftwareTextbooksClothing subscription boxesFramed backpacksLuggageBriefcasesAthletic, duffle or gym bagsHandbags and pursesComputer bagsMost accessories including barrettes, bobby pins, hair bows, jewelry, watchesClothing repair and fabric items including thread, buttons, lace, patterns, tapes, iron-on patchesSports accessories including baseball cleats, football pads and pants, gloves, helmets
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