Sales tax holiday

The calendar says July for one more day, but that doesn't mean school supplies haven't already crossed the minds of many Permian Basin parents.

And those frugal ones who don't mind fighting the crowds to buy school supplies and save on sales tax can now mark Aug. 15-17 on their calendars.

On that weekend a wide range of school supplies and clothes will be sold without incurring the state sales tax.

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced Wednesday that most clothing and shoes priced less than $100, with some exceptions, can be purchased tax free that weekend.

Combs estimated shoppers will save about $54 million.

Some tax-free items will include coats, diapers, hooded shirts and sweat shirts, jeans, suits and underclothes.

Taxes must still be paid on wallets, watches, handbags, jewelry and roller blades and skates.

Combs said the tax loss is not expected to have a significant impact on Texas sales tax collections. She said Texas sales tax revenue "continues to grow at a healthy pace."

THE TAX-FREE LIST 

Here are some of the items that can be purchased Aug. 15-17 without having to pay state sales taxes.
>> Baby clothes.
>> Backpacks for use by elementary and secondary students.
>> Belts with attached buckles.
>> Boots: cowboy, hiking.
>> Coats and wraps.
>> Diapers: adult and baby.
>> Dresses.
>> Gym suits and uniforms.
>> Hooded shirts and hooded sweatshirts.
>> Hosiery.
>> Jackets.
>> Jeans.
>> Neckwear and ties.
>> Pajamas.
>> Pants and trousers.
>> Raincoats and ponchos.
>> Robes.
>> Shirts.
>> Shoes: sandals, slippers, sneakers, tennis, walking.
>> Socks (including athletic).
>> Shorts.
>> Suits, slacks and jackets.
>> Sweatshirts.
>> Sweat suits.
>> Sweaters.
>> Swimsuits.
>> Underclothes.
>> Work clothes and uniforms.