By RJ Morales | TX3DNews Staff – August 7th 2025
Shoppers across Collin County and throughout Texas’s 3rd Congressional District (TX‑03) will have the chance to save on back-to-school expenses during the state’s annual Sales Tax Holiday, scheduled for Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10.
During the three-day event, eligible purchases of clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced under $100 will be exempt from both state and local sales taxes. The exemption applies to in-store and online purchases, offering relief to families preparing for the upcoming school year.
According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, shoppers are expected to save an estimated $133.2 million during this year’s tax-free weekend.
“Back-to-school costs can add up fast,” said Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock in a public statement. “Whether you prefer to shop in person or online, this tax-free weekend helps families stretch their hard-earned dollars, saving about $8 for every $100 spent.”
What Items Are Tax-Free?
Qualifying items include:
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Most clothing and footwear under $100 per item
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School supplies such as notebooks, binders, crayons, pens, pencils, calculators, and lunchboxes
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Backpacks, including those with wheels, as long as they are designed for regular school use
The tax exemption applies regardless of how items are purchased—whether in-store, online, by mail, or by telephone—so long as the purchase is made and paid for during the tax-free period. Items placed on layaway or delivered later are still exempt if paid for during the holiday window.
For a complete list of qualifying items, the Texas Comptroller has published detailed guidance here:
🔗 https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/
What Is Not Included?
Items that do not qualify for the tax exemption include:
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Jewelry, handbags, purses, and luggage
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Sports and recreational equipment (e.g., baseball gloves, football pads, cleats)
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Protective gear not intended for everyday use
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Services such as alterations, embroidery, or dry cleaning
Importantly, shipping and handling fees count toward the $100 limit. For example, an item priced at $95 with $10 shipping would not be tax-free because the total exceeds the price threshold.
If a retailer charges sales tax in error during the tax-free weekend, customers can request a refund directly from the store or submit Form 00‑985 to the Comptroller’s office for reimbursement.
Where Can TX‑03 Residents Shop?
The exemption will be automatically applied at participating retailers throughout Allen, McKinney, Plano, and nearby cities within TX‑03. Major stores expected to participate include:
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Walmart
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Target
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Staples and Office Depot
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Walgreens and CVS
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Best Buy
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Academy Sports + Outdoors
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H‑E‑B, which offers curated school supply lists through its TeacherLists platform
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Amazon, for eligible purchases delivered to Texas addresses
Shoppers can also take advantage of local promotions at Allen Premium Outlets, Watters Creek Village, The Village at Allen, and The Shops at Legacy in Plano.
Retailers often post their own tax-exempt shopping guides, and customers are encouraged to confirm eligibility with the store before purchasing.
Economic Context
This year’s tax-free weekend comes as families manage steady but still significant back-to-school costs. A 2025 Deloitte survey found that national K–12 spending is expected to remain flat at $30.9 billion, or about $570 per student. While this marks a slight decline from 2024, many households in Collin County—where the median income is well above the state average—still view the tax savings as meaningful.
“These weekends are really important for budgeting,” a Princeton parent told TX3DNews. “Even if it’s just a few dollars per item, it adds up when you’re buying for multiple kids.”
According to the Comptroller’s Office, Texas families have saved more than $2 billion since the tax-free program began in 1999.
Tips for Shoppers
To make the most of the weekend, shoppers are encouraged to:
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Plan purchases in advance and check for store hours and promotions
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Keep receipts to confirm tax exemptions
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Watch for shipping or service fees that could raise item costs above the $100 limit
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Double-check whether items qualify by using the Comptroller’s eligibility list
The tax holiday ends Sunday, August 10 at 11:59 p.m., and there are no extensions or rainchecks beyond the official window.
Final Note
For families in TX‑03—especially those with students in Allen ISD, McKinney ISD, Plano ISD, and Frisco ISD—this weekend offers a chance to save while preparing for the new academic year.
TX3DNews will continue covering developments affecting education, family budgets, and economic policy throughout Collin County and the broader district.