Houston Community News >> Texas Tax Free Weekend
8/1/2006 Houston, Texas-- Jeans, jerseys, shoes and socks are expected to be hot shopping items this weekend during the Texas sales tax holiday. Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn reminded consumers of the sales tax-free weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday as schools prepare to reopen.
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Most clothing items and footwear under $100 are tax free during the three days. Backpacks, purses, bicycle helmets and sewing supplies are among the items that remain taxed. State Senator Rodney Ellis of Houston joined Strayhorn, in Austin, to talk up the sales tax holiday. Both have pushed for several years to expand the three-day holiday to other days and additional items. Critics say that would cost state and local governments too much.
Strayhorn estimates shoppers will save $38.5 million in state sales taxes and $10.5 million in local sales taxes this year..
Tax-free items
Baby clothes
Belts with attached buckles
Cowboy and hiking boots
Caps and hats
Coats and jackets
Diapers
Dresses
Gloves
Gym suits and uniforms
Sweatshirts
Hosiery
Jeans
Football and baseball jerseys
Jogging apparel
Ties and neckwear
Pajamas
Pants
Raincoats
Robes
Shoes
Socks
Shorts
Suits
Underwear
Work clothes and uniforms
Taxed Items
Backpacks
Baseball cleats and pants
Belt buckles
Rubber work boots and ski boots
Buttons and zippers
Cloth, lace, fabric
Football pants
Golf gloves
Golf and bowling shoes
Purses
Hair accessories
Handkerchiefs
Helmets
Skates
Jewelry
Most leather goods
Rented clothing, such as costumes
Safety glasses
Sports pads
Wallets
Watches
(Contributed by Wang Yan)