Weekend: Tax-free

By Denton Ramsey, Managing Editor

This coming weekend, the third weekend in August, represents tax-free time for Texans.

This is a new change from the prior tax-free holiday, which used to fall on the first weekend in August before moving to the current third weekend plan.

"From now on, the sales tax holiday will occur on the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of August," Comptroller Susan Combs said. "This year, the date is Aug. 17-19."

Due to many school districts starting their school year later, the 80th Legislature changed the date of the sales tax holiday in order to move it closer to the first day of school, according to the Texas Comptroller's office.

During the sales tax weekend of Aug. 17-19, many local stores will be opening their doors for the sales tax holiday.

A majority of clothing and footwear priced under $100 is exempt from sales taxes, saving the customer an average of $8 per $100 spent.

Once again, lay-away plans can be used to take full advantage of the tax-free weekend.

A new exemption for the 2007 sales tax holiday includes backpacks with wheels, provided they could also be worn on the back like a traditional backpack, according to the Texas Comptroller's office.

"The Legislature responded to parents' requests to add backpacks to the list of tax-exempt items," Combs said. "Backpacks can be expensive, especially for parents who have to buy them for several children. A tax break helps."

Framed backpacks, purses, computer bags, athletic/duffle/gym bags, briefcases or luggage are not included in the exemption.

Combs predicts families will save about $52.1 million in sales taxes during the August tax-free weekend.

Tax-free items include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Baby clothes

- Backpacks for use by elementary and secondary students

- Belts with attached buckles

- Boots - cowboy and hiking

- Caps/Hats - baseball, fishing, golf and knitted

- Coats and wraps

- Diapers - adult and baby

- Dresses

- Gloves (generally)

- Gym suits and uniforms

- Hooded shirts and hooded sweatshirts

- Hosiery

- Jackets

- Jeans

- Jerseys - baseball and football

- Jogging apparel

- Neckwear and ties

- Pajamas

- Pants and trousers

- Raincoats and ponchos

- Robes

- Shirts

- Shoes - sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis and walking

- Socks (including athletics)

- Shorts

- Suits, slacks and jackets

- Sweatshirts

- Sweat suits

- Sweaters

- Swimsuits

- Underclothes

- Work clothes and uniforms

Items that will remain taxed include, but are not limited to: athletic cleats, athletic pants, football pads, golf gloves, helmets, jewelry (including watches), ice skates and roller blades.

For an extended list of items and their exemption status, visit the Texas Comptroller's website at http://www.window.state.tx.us or call their office toll free at 1-800-252-5555.

Memorial Day Weekend 2008: Tax Free

Beginning in May 2008, energy-efficient appliances will be exempt from sales tax during the three-day Memorial Day weekend.

According to the Texas Comptroller's office, certain appliances with a federal Energy Star rating will be tax-free, including washing machines, dishwashers, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats and incandescent fluorescent light bulbs.

In addition, air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less and refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less will also be included during the 2008 Memorial Day tax-free weekend.

"Texas consumers will save about $8 for every $100 they spend on qualifying appliances," Combs said. "Even more importantly, they will reap savings on their utility bills by purchasing energy-efficient appliances, and the demand for electricity will be reduced."

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at editor@marlindemocrat.com