In preparation for the 2024-2025 school year, shoppers can take advantage of the state’s annual tax holiday, scheduled for Aug. 9-11.

During the three-day holiday (Friday-Sunday), customers will be exempt from the 8.25-percent sales and use tax charge for most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100. The potential savings are included for qualifying items purchased online or by telephone or mail. Delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are included in the sales price.

Backpacks priced less than $100 for use by elementary and secondary students are exempt. Backpacks with wheels that can be worn as a traditional backpack and messenger bags are also tax exempt. Backpacks defined as luggage, briefcases, athletic bags, computer bags and purses are not exempt. Up to 10 backpacks can be purchased tax free at one time without an exemption certificate.

An exemption certificate is not required for supplies unless purchases are made under a business account. In that case, the retailer must obtain an exemption certificate from the purchaser, which certifies the items purchased are for an elementary or secondary school student.

In addition, back-to-school shoppers can use layaway plans to take advantage of the tax holiday.

For a full list of tax-free and taxable items during the holiday and additional resources, please refer to the Glenn Hegar, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website  (https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/).