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Aug 14, 2008 3:16 pm US/Central
Texas Shoppers Getting Break From Sales Tax
Texas Tax Free Weekend Aug. 15-17
AUSTIN (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes on Aug. 15-17 this year.
As with previous years, the annual tax holiday gives shoppers the chance to save about $8 on every $100 they spend on most clothing and footwear priced under $100.
"We estimate shoppers will save about $54 million in sales tax during the sales tax holiday, including approximately $42.1 million in state sales tax and $11.9 million in local sales taxes," Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said.
State officials hope with the rising cost of gasoline, groceries and other goods, the annual clothing sales tax holiday will help families' back-to-school budgets go farther.
State law also exempts backpacks under $100 and used by elementary and secondary students and diapers. Consumers also can utilize layaway plans.
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As the holiday began on Friday, shoppers were already hitting stores to take advantage of deals. The Target store in Arlington at Cooper Street and Arbrook Boulevard will see a 30 percent increase in business.
Billie McBeth pointed to a long, printed school supply list from her 8-year-old's new school and asked, "You see this list? Paper, binder, indexed dividers with folder pockets. They're needing red pens or pencils."
"We're actually out for school supplies and clothes," said Beth Mallory as she walked through crowded aisles with her teenage daughter.
However, the exhausting crowds are a put-off for some. "It helped that it is a tax break, but normally I avoid it because its not worth it," Mallory said.
Still, in the struggling economy, many parents are finding the holiday to be a much-needed relief. "Oh yeah," Mcbeth said. "Wherever you can save a dollar or a penny here or there, it helps of course with things being so tight."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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