Our Perspective on tax-free weekend

AMARILLO, TX (KFDA) - If you didn't know, schools around our area are starting up this week and next week.

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That means the hustle and bustle of increased traffic in the morning and afternoon. That also means it's time for school shopping.

Oklahoma and New Mexico have already had their tax-free weekends, and Texas is scheduled to have tax-free weekend this weekend.

On average, shoppers spend more than $600 per kid for clothes and school supplies.

The tax savings on a $600 ticket will be close to $50.

Remember, there are parameters, and not everything qualifies.

Today's Perspective is that this is a great time to shop local and get everything you need for your kids or even for you.

The added incentive is that many of our local retailers will even sweeten the deal with added discounts.

Be safe with the added traffic and pay attention to school zones, but most of all, enjoy the weekend and the school year ahead.

You can find a list of qualifying items, special purchases and what sellers need to know here.

Below is an explanation of parameters and qualifications for tax-free weekend provided by Comptroller.Texas.gov:

Shoppers can buy most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (sold for less than $100) tax free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas. In most cases, you do not need to give the seller an exemption certificate to buy qualifying items tax free.

This year's sales tax holiday begins Friday, Aug. 10 and goes through midnight Sunday, Aug. 12.

The sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items you buy during the sales tax holiday. Items you buy before or after the sales tax holiday do not qualify for exemption, and there is no tax refund available.

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