Publisher’s Note
We set out to create a comprehensive resource to help Texas shoppers make the most of Tax-Free Weekend, with a special focus on Del Rio. No matter where you live in Texas, we hope these guides help you save a few dollars, understand what qualifies for the tax exemption and avoid paying sales tax on eligible purchases.
While we’d love to take all the credit, we also want to give credit where it’s due. The Texas Comptroller’s Sales Tax Holiday website was an invaluable resource in preparing these articles. If you have a question we didn’t answer, we encourage you to visit the Comptroller’s website for the complete rules and official guidance. Feel free to civilly give us feedback in the Facebook comments and we’ll work to get it fixed this year, or do better next year.Â
Most of all, thank you for reading The 830 Times. We appreciate the opportunity to serve our community and hope this guide helps make your back-to-school shopping a little easier—and a little less expensive.
From staff reports
You don’t have to visit a store to take advantage of Texas Tax-Free Weekend.
Qualifying purchases made online, by phone, by mail or through catalog retailers are eligible for the sales tax exemption, provided they meet the requirements established by the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
If you’re planning to shop on Amazon, Walmart.com, Target.com or another online retailer, here are the rules you need to know.
Does online shopping qualify?
Yes.
Qualifying items purchased online during the Tax-Free Weekend receive the same sales tax exemption as items purchased in a physical store.
When does the purchase have to be made?
The order must be placed during the Tax-Free Weekend, which runs from Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9.
The date you place the order—not when it arrives at your home—is generally what determines whether the purchase qualifies.
Does it matter when my credit card is charged?
No.
What matters is when you complete the purchase during the sales tax holiday.
Do shipping charges count toward the $100 limit?
Yes, in some cases.
If shipping charges are part of the sales price of the item, they may be considered when determining whether the item stays under the $100 price limit.
Can I shop on Amazon?
Yes.
Qualifying clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks purchased from Amazon during the tax holiday qualify for the exemption.
What about Walmart.com and Target.com?
Yes.
Major online retailers such as Walmart, Target, Academy, Old Navy and many others participate by automatically removing sales tax from qualifying purchases.
Can I buy from any online retailer?
Generally yes, provided the retailer is selling qualifying items for delivery into Texas and follows Texas sales tax laws.
What if an item is backordered?
A temporary shipping delay usually does not affect eligibility as long as the order was properly placed during the Tax-Free Weekend.
What if the website charges sales tax?
Mistakes occasionally happen.
If you believe tax was charged on a qualifying purchase, contact the retailer first and request a refund. If the issue cannot be resolved, the Texas Comptroller’s Office provides information on requesting a refund.
Tips for Online Shoppers
Before placing your order:
- Verify each qualifying item costs less than $100.
- Complete your purchase before the Tax-Free Weekend ends.
- Save your confirmation email and receipt.
- Review your order to make sure sales tax was not charged on qualifying items.
Shopping online can be one of the easiest ways to take advantage of Texas Tax-Free Weekend, especially for busy families trying to avoid crowds while still saving money on back-to-school purchases.
