Save on back-to-school shopping on tax-free weekend

Tax-free weekend starts Friday — just in time for the new school year.

Why it matters: The statewide sales tax holiday covers most school supplies, clothing and backpacks, giving parents a big savings.

• Planned tariffs on Chinese imports are expected to increase prices up to 15% this season.

Zoom in: North Texas parents will spend an average of $750 back-to-school supplies, more than the national average of $570, per a recent Deloitte survey.

• Planned spending is slightly less than last year but higher than 2023, largely due to increase in prices, the consulting giant found.

How it works: Texas' tax-free savings cover in-person and online shopping, per the state comptroller's office.

• Most major Texas cities have a sales tax of 8.25%.
• The savings end at 11:59pm Sunday.
• Clothing and school supplies have to be under $100 to be tax-exempt, including delivery and transportation fees.
• Coupons can be applied to bring the final price under $100.

The bottom line: Tax-free weekend can help parents and kids brush up on their percentages before the school year.