Back-to-school shopping this tax-free weekend

San Marcos CISD starts back to school on Aug. 27 and students and families are ramping up for the school year by purchasing clothes, shoes and supplies for the academic year. Whether you're back-to-school supply list has book bags, pens, binders, shoes or shirts, shoppers can save money on those and certain other items during the state's sales tax holiday. 

This year, the sales tax holiday is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10-12.

The law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced below $100 from sales tax, saving shoppers about $8 on every $100 they spend during the weekend.

But did you know shoppers can purchase much more than just school supplies tax-free? Keep the following three things in mind when you hit the stores:

1. Clothing and Footwear: Certain articles of clothing and footwear are tax-free during the holiday. These include multi-purpose athletic clothing as well as professional and school uniforms that are purchased, not rented.
2. Non-Qualifying Items: Some items don't qualify. Clothing, footwear and protective-use gear specially designed for athletic activities are not included. However, multi-purpose clothing and footwear such as tennis shoes qualify for the exemption.
3. Lesser-Known Items: Some tax-free items won’t be on classroom supply lists. Hiking boots, bow ties, diapers, costumes and even veils – these items and much more are included. 

Lists of apparel and school supplies that may be purchased tax-free can be found on the Comptroller's website.

 This year, shoppers will save an estimated $90.3 million in state and local sales taxes during the sales tax holiday. But stores around the state are also rolling out shopping deals in coordination with the state's sales tax holiday.

JCPenney is kicking off the tax holiday by offering customers savings, including up to 60 percent off across the store from Aug. 9-12. Shoppers can also take advantage of extra savings with JCPenney Bonus Bucks. For every $50 spent in a single transaction, customers can earn $10 in Bonus Bucks, up to three times during the promotional event.

JCPenney is also offering 50-60 percent off kids Arizona apparel; 50 percent off Arizona dresses; $4.99 kids, juniors and guys Arizona tees; $9.99 Juniors and kids Arizona denim; $9.99 Juniors graphic tees; $17.99 Juniors and guys Arizona denim; and $32.25-$63.75 select styles of Nike shoes for the family.

Now through Sept. 15, JCPenney salons are also offering $10 kids haircuts, for grades K-6th – while appointments last. Inside the JCPenney Optical shop, children 16 and under can get one pair of eyeglasses for $39.99 or two for $69.99, valid through Sept. 29. 

Tanger Outlets also has some back-to-school offers for families getting ready for the school year during the tax-free weekend. 

Journeys and Journeys Kidz is offering 30 to 50 percent off on select styles of shoes, sandals and accessories from Aug. 2 through Aug. 31. Reebok is offering an additional  40 percent off all kids footwear and all men's and women's footwear is buy one get one for $25 from Aug. 1-14.

For more information about what items are tax exempt during the state's sales tax holiday go to the Comptroller's website.