Going back to school is an exciting time for your kids, but we all know back to school shopping can get a little pricey sometimes. That’s why it’s best to take advantage of this tax free weekend, August 5th – 7th in Texas, so you can get all the necessary supplies and save a few dollars while you’re at it.
What is included During Tax Free Weekend in Texas For Back To School Shopping
There are different times of the year where our spending can get a little higher than usual and there’s one time of year in particular where things can add up really quickly, back to school. Tax free weekend is one of the best times to tackle that back to school shopping list and cross off other necessities on your list such as clothing, electronics, and more.
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Before you hit the stores during this tax free weekend, it’s a good idea to know what’s included in the tax exemption and to have a school supply list you can refer back to.
Once you check everything off your list, you’ll be at ease with sending your kids back to school knowing that they have everything they need to succeed.
Here are a few items included during tax free weekend in Texas
There are certain school supplies under $100 that will qualify for a tax exemption during the sales tax holiday. Such as:
Compasses
Folders – expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila
Index cards
Index card boxes
Legal pads
Markers (including dry erase markers)
Paper – loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper
Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes
There is also a list of clothing, footwear, and other items that qualify for tax exemption during tax free weekend as long as they are priced under $100. To learn more about other qualifying items, you can visit the Texas Comptroller’s site for more information.
Pros and Cons of Tax Free Weekend in Texas
Back to school shopping on tax free weekend in Texas is a great way to save money. We all know taxes can add up quickly. In addition, there are usually other deals going on where you can also save on non-qualifying items.
However, there are some drawbacks to tax free weekends.
Generally, there will be large crowds and long lines, similar to other shopping holidays like Boxing Day and Black Friday. So depending on what you need to buy, you’d have to determine whether the time spent waiting in line is worth the money saved.
One thing that will help avoid large crowds is to go early. Another is to look at flyers to ensure that the stores have what you are looking for.
SHOP EARLY AND SAVE ON BULK BACK TO SCHOOL ESSENTIALS AT ZULILY
Another issue to think about is stock, as tax free weekends also mean high demand for items people need, especially school supplies. Getting your shopping done right when tax free weekend begins might help you find the items you need before they go out of stock.
3 Back to School Shopping Tips to Prepare For The New School Year
Find Your School Supply List
To stay on top of your back to school shopping, a school supply list will keep you organized and ensure you don’t miss any important items. If your child’s school doesn’t give out a back to school shopping list, there are plenty of pre-made school supplies lists available for students and grade levels.
You can print one out and take it on your shopping trip to help keep you on track.
Set a Budget
It’s important to have a list and budget set before you head out to shop. Your list will help you determine what your child needs for school versus what they want for school. Once you have reviewed your list, this in turn will help you determine a budget where you have a clear understanding of how much money you have to spend and how much things are going to cost.
Many people get swept up in the excitement of getting a deal, that they often spend more than they intend to. An extra $50 dollars you didn’t budget for could easily outweigh the tax dollars saved.
Encourage Your Kids to Participate in Back to School Shopping
It’s important to encourage your kids to take part when it comes to shopping for back to school. It’s a great opportunity to teach your children key financial skills that they can benefit from in the future.
You can give your kids a small manageable list of items to buy, and if they manage to stay within the budget and have money left over, they can choose to spend the remaining amount on a back to school item of their choosing.
Involving your kids in purchasing decisions such as their first day outfit or a new backpack will also help them feel prepared and more excited.
Are You Ready to Send Your Kids Back to School?
Remember that sending kids back to school is an exciting time for the little ones and the parents! What are some of your must have back to school shopping items?
xo, Gbeke
What do you think?