Tax Free Weekend starts today

Shoppers can break out their wallets without breaking the bank this weekend.

Over the course of three days each summer, Texas shoppers get a rare chance to shop without having to pay the usual 8.25 percent sales tax on many clothing and school supply items.

The state's annual tax holiday usually falls the weekend before school starts, just in time for parents buying those last minute back to school items. As long as items on the state's approved list are priced $100 or less, there is no tax assessed.

In essence, this break can save shoppers around $8 for every $100 spent.

Many Huntsville retailers are gearing up for a busy weekend, with many extending store hours to accommodate shoppers.

Mike Elder, manager of JC Penney in Huntsville, said tax free weekend is rivaled only by Black Friday in terms of foot traffic. The store will stay open until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday night.

“It's a lot busier for us than a normal weekend,” he said. “It's probably two and a half times busier. We do extend our hours.”

In the Ravenwood Village shopping center, Target is also preparing for a crush of shoppers. Senior team leader Jon Mitchell said the holiday also falls on back-to-college week for the store.

“There's already an increase in sales over the week and we expect more of an increase over the weekend,” he said. “We always have weekly specials.”

The following is a partial list of school supplies that are tax free this weekend: Binders, book bags, calculators, cellophane tape, blackboard chalk, compasses, composition books, crayons, erasers, folders, glue, highlighters, index cards, legal pads, baby clothes, backpacks, belts with attached buckles, boots, caps, coats, lunch boxes, markers, notebooks, paper, pencil boxes, pencil sharpeners, pencils, pens, diapers, dresses, protractors, rulers, scissors, writing tablets, gloves, gym suits, sweatshirts, sweat suits, hosiery, jackets, jeans, jerseys, ties, pajamas, pants, raincoats, robes, shirts, socks and underwear.

Taxed items include, but are not limited to: barrettes, ponytail holders, hair accessories, wallets, watches, baseball and other sports cleats, belt buckles without belts, buttons and zippers, cloth and lace, football pants, golf gloves, handbags and purses, handkerchiefs and jewelry.