The Freebie Guy’s Guide to Shopping Tax-Free Weekend
Texas Tax-Free Weekend is one of the best opportunities of the year to save on back-to-school shopping—but only if you shop smart. This guide walks you through what qualifies, what doesn’t, and the shopping strategies that can help you save even more than the sales tax alone.
🎥 Catch Kendall on WFAA
Kendall, aka The Freebie Guy, will be on WFAA+ sharing his favorite Tax-Free Weekend and back-to-school shopping tips.
📺 Watch live Monday, August 3 at 7:30 a.m.
We’ll add the full interview here after it airs.
🌎 Shopping Outside Texas?
Many states offer their own sales tax holidays throughout the year, but the dates, price limits and qualifying items vary. See tax-free shopping dates for every state →
Texas Tax-Free Weekend at a Glance
Here’s what every Texas shopper should know before heading to the store.
📅 Dates
August 7–9, 2026
Friday through Sunday
💲 The Rule
Less than $100
per qualifying item
✅ Usually Included
- Clothing
- Shoes
- School Supplies
- Student Backpacks
❌ Usually Excluded
- Computers
- Tablets
- Jewelry
- Sports Equipment
💡 Important
The $100 limit applies to each individual qualifying item, not your total purchase. You can buy multiple qualifying items in one transaction as long as each eligible item is priced under $100. If you’re shopping online, be careful that delivery charges don’t push you over the $100 limit on any one item.
Before You Shop
A little planning can save you much more than the sales tax exemption. These simple tips will help you stretch your back-to-school budget even further.
📝 Start With a List
Bring your school’s required supply list, but don’t stop there. Make a list of everything you truly need—from clothes and shoes to backpacks and classroom supplies—so you’re less likely to make impulse purchases.
💲 Compare Prices First
Remember, the tax exemption is just one part of the savings. A great sale, coupon, reward or cashback offer can save you even more. Before you check out, take a quick look at The Freebie Guy—we regularly share coupons, hidden Amazon promo codes and last-minute deal updates that can help you save even more.
⏳ Some Things Are Better Bought Later
Buy what you need now, but don’t feel pressured to get everything. Backpacks, value packs of socks and underwear, and leftover school supplies are often among the first items marked down once stores switch to Halloween merchandise.
💡 Freebie Guy Tip
A $99 backpack that’s tax-free saves about $8 in sales tax. A different store offering that same backpack 25% off saves you $25 plus the tax savings. Always compare the final price, not just whether it’s tax-free.
What Qualifies for Tax-Free Weekend?
Texas publishes an official list of qualifying items each year, but most shoppers only need to remember a few major categories. As long as a qualifying item is priced at less than $100, it may be exempt from sales tax during the holiday.
✅ Common Qualifying Items
- Shirts, jeans, shorts and dresses
- School uniforms
- Tennis shoes and everyday footwear
- Student backpacks
- Notebooks and binder paper
- Folders and binders
- Pencils, pens and crayons
- Glue, scissors and rulers
- Lunch boxes
❌ Common Non-Qualifying Items
- Computers and laptops
- Tablets
- Printers
- Jewelry
- Handbags and purses
- Luggage
- Sports equipment
- Many specialized athletic items
💡 Did You Know?
Some shoppers are surprised to learn that baby clothing, diapers, employee uniforms, and Halloween costumes also qualify during Texas Tax-Free Weekend, provided they meet the state’s eligibility requirements.
Where Are the Best Places to Save?
No single retailer has the best prices on everything. Compare a few stores before you shop, and check our latest Back-to-School Deals for current savings on supplies, backpacks, uniforms, lunch boxes and more.
🛒 Walmart
Walmart typically offers one of the largest selections of budget-friendly school supplies, including notebooks, paper, crayons, glue, erasers and folders—many priced under $1.
🎯 Target
Target frequently advertises aggressive back-to-school promotions, including low-priced crayons, folders and backpacks. Check Target Circle offers for even more savings.
👕 Clothing Outlets
Outlet stores are worth comparing, but don’t stop there. We regularly find incredible deals from official brand outlet stores on eBay, including adidas, Crocs and Target, where overstock and clearance items can be priced even lower than traditional outlets.
📦 Amazon
If you’re not brand-picky, Amazon can be one of the best places to save on back-to-school essentials. We regularly share hidden promo codes on backpacks, lunch bags, headphones, clothing and other school essentials that can save you far more than the sales tax exemption alone.
Don’t Overlook These Hidden Gems
Walmart and Target usually get most of the attention during Tax-Free Weekend, for good reason—but they’re not the only places to find great back-to-school deals. A few overlooked retailers often have smaller crowds, shorter checkout lines and surprisingly strong savings.
🟨 Dollar General
Stack the Saturday $5 off $25 coupon with sales and digital coupons for even bigger savings.
❤️ H-E-B & Kroger
Don’t overlook your local grocery store. H-E-B and Kroger frequently offer digital coupons, instant savings and back-to-school promotions that can make snacks, lunchbox items and even school supplies a surprisingly good value.
💊 Walgreens & CVS
Pair weekly school supply promotions with rewards and digital coupons. Walgreens often has online promo codes too. Order your supplies for pickup and save time and money.
👕 Old Navy
Watch for amazing one-day or two-day school uniform sales—we share the best ones in The Freebie Guy app.
The Biggest Tax-Free Weekend Shopping Mistakes
Every year we see shoppers make the same mistakes. Avoiding these common pitfalls can help you save more and make your shopping trip a lot less stressful.
♻️ Replacing Supplies That Still Work
Before buying everything new, check what you already have at home. Reusing binders, scissors, rulers, calculators and backpacks that are still in good condition will save more than the tax exemption.
📦 Assuming School Supply Bundles Save Money
Pre-packaged school supply kits are convenient, but they’re not always the best value. Compare the bundle price with buying each required item individually before adding it to your cart.
💳 Forgetting Rewards & Coupons
Don’t chase the tax savings—chase the best deal. A tax-free purchase is even better when you stack it with sales, store rewards, digital coupons and cashback offers.
💵 Assuming Dollar Stores Are Always Cheapest
A low shelf price doesn’t always mean the best deal. Compare package sizes and unit prices—you may find better values on supplies like crayons and notebooks at larger retailers.
The Savings Don’t Stop After Tax-Free Weekend
🎓 Good Grades Can Pay Off
Back-to-school savings don’t end after Tax-Free Weekend. Throughout the school year, many restaurants reward students for earning good grades with free food, treats and other perks.
Popular rewards include: Krispy Kreme, Chick-fil-A, Pizza Hut, Chuck E. Cheese, Sonic and many more.
View Current Report Card Rewards →
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common questions shoppers ask during Texas Tax-Free Weekend.
When is Texas Tax-Free Weekend in 2026?
The 2026 Texas Sales Tax Holiday runs Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Does the $100 limit apply to my total purchase?
No. The price limit applies to each qualifying item, not your total purchase. You can buy multiple qualifying items in one transaction as long as each eligible item costs less than $100.
Are backpacks tax-free?
Most student backpacks priced under $100 qualify. Some specialty bags, including luggage and many computer bags, generally do not.
Are computers and tablets tax-free?
No. Computers, laptops, tablets, printers and most electronics are not included in the Texas Sales Tax Holiday.
Can I shop online during Tax-Free Weekend?
Yes. Many online retailers honor the exemption on qualifying purchases. Check your final order carefully, because delivery charges can push an item over the $100 price limit.
Can I use coupons during Tax-Free Weekend?
Yes. Eligible coupons, store rewards and other discounts may still be used during the sales tax holiday. Check the retailer’s terms before shopping.
Can I combine Tax-Free Weekend with store sales?
Yes. Combining a sale price with the sales tax exemption is one of the best ways to maximize your savings. Always compare the final price after sales, coupons and rewards.
Where can I see the complete list of qualifying items?
Visit the Texas Comptroller’s official Sales Tax Holiday guide for the complete list of qualifying and non-qualifying items.
Keep Saving Long After Tax-Free Weekend
Tax-Free Weekend is just one of many opportunities to save throughout the year. At The Freebie Guy, we’re constantly sharing the latest deals, freebies, clearance finds, restaurant offers, giveaways and money-saving tips to help stretch your budget.
Whether you’re shopping for back-to-school supplies, preparing for the holidays or simply looking for everyday savings, we’re here to help you spend less and save more.
Download The Freebie Guy App Browse Today’s Best DealsInformation in this guide is based on the 2026 Texas Sales Tax Holiday. Eligible items, retailer promotions and tax rules are subject to change. For complete eligibility requirements, visit the Texas Comptroller’s official Sales Tax Holiday page.
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