Texas Parents Can Save Big on School Supplies This August

(East Texas) It'll soon be time for Texans to save money on back-to-school shopping.

So far, though, summer vacation has been a blast for kids this year. Students have had the opportunity to go to the waterpark, amusement park, or lake to hang out with their school friends. They've also traveled across the state, the nation, and the world in some cases. Unfortunately, summer fun will soon be replaced with the dreaded school bell schedule.

Back-to-School Season Is Here

The first day of school is approaching across East Texas. For some, it's just a few weeks away, and for others, there's more than a month left for summer. We've taken a look at when schools around East Texas begin for the 2026-2027 school year.

APP

When East Texas Schools Return

Athens ISD, Gladewater ISD, New Summerfield ISD, and Union Hill ISD will begin classes on Monday, August 3. Sulphur Springs will go back to school on Thursday, August 20. Most East Texas school districts will return to class on Wednesday, August 12, including Tyler ISD, Jacksonville ISD, Kilgore ISD, Henderson ISD, and many others.

Texas Tax-Free Weekend Dates

With each new school year comes the need for back-to-school shopping. According to recent reports, parents will be spending an average of $489 per child on back-to-school necessities this year. (CW33) That's up 11% from last year's spending. To help offset the expense of back-to-school shopping, the State of Texas is hosting the annual Sales Tax Holiday.

Back-to-school essentials like clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks are tax-free during the annual Tax Free Weekend. Most items are tax-free; however, there are limits. In 2026, the annual Sales Tax Holiday will be Friday, August 7, through midnight Sunday, August 9.

READ MORE --> When Does School Start In East Texas? See The Full List

Clothing and School Supplies That Qualify

The list of items that are tax-free is extensive. A complete list of items that can qualify as tax-free can be found on the State of Texas Comptroller's website, along with restrictions and exemptions. Taking a brief look at the list, here are some of the highlights of the clothing items that will be exempt from tax:

• Athletic socks
• Select backpacks
• Coats and jackets
• Select sports equipment
• Select shoes
• School uniforms

Here is a look at some of the school supplies items that will be tax-exempt:

• Binders
• Book bags
• Calculators
• Composition books
• Crayons
• Erasers
• Folders
• Glue, paste, and paste sticks
• Highlighters
• Index cards
• Markers
• Notebooks
• Paper
• Pencils
• Pens
• Rulers
• Scissors
• Writing tablets

Tips to Maximize Your Tax-Free Savings

Any amount of savings will definitely help the family budget. If you need more help, get qualified to win our $500 Visa prepaid card.

With summer winding down and the first day of school approaching, now is the time to begin and prepare for that first bell. Save money by not paying taxes during the Texas Tax Free Weekend, August 7-9. Shop only for the essentials; your student may come home with additional school supply requirements after the first day.