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
For many Del Rio families, Tax-Free Weekend is the unofficial kickoff to back-to-school shopping.
This year’s Texas Sales Tax Holiday runs from Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase many school-related items without paying state or local sales tax. The exemption applies to most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced at less than $100 per item.
Whether you’re buying a single notebook or filling a shopping cart for multiple children, understanding the rules can help you maximize your savings and avoid surprises at the checkout.
When is Tax-Free Weekend?
The 2026 Texas Sales Tax Holiday begins Friday, Aug. 7, and continues through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9. Purchases must be made during that time to qualify for the tax exemption.
What items qualify?
Most items in these categories qualify if each individual item costs less than $100:
- Clothing
- Footwear
- School supplies
- Backpacks
There is no limit to how many qualifying items you can purchase. For example, you can buy five $80 shirts, and each one qualifies because every individual item is priced under $100.
Can I shop online?
Yes.
Qualifying purchases made online, by phone or through catalog retailers also qualify, provided the purchase meets the state’s requirements during the tax-free period. Many major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart and Target, participate when selling qualifying items in Texas.
Do I need a special form?
No.
Shoppers do not need to present an exemption certificate. If an item qualifies, the retailer should automatically remove the sales tax at checkout.
How much can you save?
Texas has a state sales tax of 6.25%, and many communities, including Del Rio, also collect local sales taxes, bringing the combined rate to as much as 8.25%.
That means you’ll save about $8.25 for every $100 in qualifying purchases. A family spending $500 on eligible school supplies and clothing could save more than $40.
Are there any catches?
Yes.
The most important rule is that each qualifying item must cost less than $100. If one pair of shoes costs exactly $100 or more, that item does not qualify.
Some items that many shoppers assume are tax-free actually are not. Jewelry, purses, luggage, watches, computer bags and specially designed athletic equipment such as football pads and many athletic cleats remain taxable.
What if a store charges sales tax by mistake?
If sales tax is collected on a qualifying purchase, shoppers should first ask the retailer for a refund. If that isn’t successful, consumers may file a refund claim with the Texas Comptroller’s Office.
Plan before you shop
Before heading to the store, families should:
- Check their child’s school supply list.
- Make a shopping list.
- Verify that each item is priced under $100.
- Compare online and in-store prices.
- Keep receipts until shopping is complete.
A little planning can stretch a back-to-school budget even further.
Coming next in The 830 Times Tax-Free Weekend Guide:
- Complete list of tax-free items.
- What isn’t tax-free?
- Top 25 Tax-Free Weekend questions answered.
- Online shopping rules explained.
- How to maximize your savings.
