HOUSTON -- The Texas sales tax holiday starts this Friday and runs through Sunday, meaning most clothing, shoes, school supplies and backpacks are tax free.
As long as each item is $100 or less, that is.
"I think it's worth it if you have a lot of children," said Amy Finger, who went shopping with her daughter. "We need new shoes and backpacks."
In Houston, the tax holiday means the typical 8.25 percent state and local sales tax won't be included in the final price for back-to-school items. Sporting goods will still be taxed.
Complete list: Tax-free items
For retailers like Academy Sports, the back-to-school season is second only to Christmas in terms of sales.
"That 8.25 percent goes a long way when (families) purchase multiple backpacks and multiple uniforms," said Academy store manager Joanna Kaiser. "A penny goes a long way; it's great when they can save."
The Texas State Comptroller's Office estimates shoppers will save $87 million during this year's tax holiday.
