Back-to-school shopping can add up quickly, but Texas Tax-Free Weekend is a great opportunity for families to save money on school essentials.
From Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9, 2026, shoppers can purchase qualifying clothing, shoes, school supplies, and backpacks without paying state and local sales tax.
If you’re planning to stock up before the school year begins, here’s what you need to know.
📅 When Is Texas Tax-Free Weekend?
Friday, August 7 – Sunday, August 9, 2026
The tax holiday lasts all weekend, giving families plenty of time to shop in stores or online.
🛍️ What Items Qualify?
Many everyday back-to-school items are tax-free during the holiday, including:
👕 Clothing
Most clothing items priced under $100 qualify, including:
- Shirts
- Pants
- Dresses
- Shorts
- Socks
- Jackets
- School uniforms
👟 Shoes
Most footwear priced under $100 qualifies, including:
- Tennis shoes
- Sandals
- Boots
- Dress shoes
🎒 Backpacks
Backpacks priced under $100 qualify for the tax exemption.
✏️ School Supplies
Many commonly used school supplies also qualify, including items such as:
- Notebooks
- Folders
- Paper
- Pencils
- Pens
- Crayons
- Markers
- Glue
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Calculators
Some school supplies have additional eligibility requirements, so it’s always a good idea to check the official Texas Tax Holiday list before shopping.
💲 What’s the Price Limit?
Most qualifying items must cost less than $100 per item to be tax-free.
For example:
✅ Backpack — $79.99 → Tax-Free
✅ Shoes — $65 → Tax-Free
❌ Jacket — $125 → Sales tax applies
The price limit applies to each individual item, not your total purchase.
🛒 Where Can You Shop?
Many retailers throughout Dallas participate in the tax holiday, including:
- Target
- Walmart
- Old Navy
- Kohl’s
- Academy Sports + Outdoors
- JCPenney
- Macy’s
- Ross
- Marshalls
- TJ Maxx
- Local clothing and school supply stores
Online purchases may also qualify if they meet the requirements during the tax holiday period.
💡 Weekend Sprout Shopping Tips
✔️ Shop early for the best selection.
✔️ Make a list before you go to avoid impulse purchases.
✔️ Double-check prices if you’re close to the $100 limit.
✔️ Compare prices online before heading to the store.
✔️ Don’t forget to look for coupons and store rewards to save even more.
🎒 Pair Tax-Free Weekend with Free Back-to-School Events
Want to stretch your budget even further?
Dallas is also hosting free Back-to-School events offering:
- 🎒 Backpack giveaways
- ✏️ School supplies
- 💇 Free haircuts
- 🩺 Health screenings
- 🎉 Family activities
- 🍔 Food and giveaways
Be sure to browse our Back-to-School Events calendar to see what’s happening around Dallas this weekend.
🌱 Weekend Sprout Tip
If you have children who wear school uniforms, Tax-Free Weekend is one of the best times of the year to stock up on extra shirts, pants, and shoes before the school year begins.
A little planning now can save both money and last-minute shopping trips later!
Looking for more family-friendly events?
Weekend Sprout helps Dallas families discover free and affordable things to do with kids, plus seasonal events, community resources, and local activities happening all year long.
Be sure to check our Events Calendar for the latest family fun happening across Dallas!
