Tax holiday underway

BY CHRISTI BERTELSON
HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS
With school supplies and new clothes hitting the shelves, local residents can enjoy the Texas sales tax holiday this weekend, starting Friday, Aug. 5, and extending through Sunday, Aug. 7.
Most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 will be exempt from state and local sales and use taxes. The break can save consumers plenty while shopping for back-to-school necessities.
The tax break includes any qualifying items that are purchased not only in stores but also online, or by telephone or by mail.
Specialty athletic equipment and accessories such as jewelry, luggage, computer bags and duffle bags, will not qualify for the sales tax break.
Also excluded are textbooks, computer software and computers.
For more information and details on merchandise that does and does not qualify for the tax free weekend, visit www.TexasTaxHoliday.org.