Annual back-to-school sales tax holiday this weekend

The annual back-to-school sales tax holiday is scheduled this weekend in Texas.

The Texas Comptroller's Office says the tax break begins today and runs through Sunday. Customers 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 the state.

North Interstate Highway 35 Exit 201 — McCarty Lane — will be closed from Friday at 12 p.m. to Saturday at 8 p.m. to accommodate increased traffic at the outlet malls during the Tax-Free holiday. 

“The purpose of the exit-ramp closure is to prevent vehicle weaving conflicts during the tax-free weekend at the San Marcos Outlet Malls,” the City of San Marcos said in a press release. “Lighted signs on the interstate will notify motorists of the closed exit ramp.”

The sales tax exemption applies only to qualifying items. The tax break does not include products such as jewelry, handbags, briefcases, luggage, computer bags, umbrellas, wallets and watches.

The Texas sales tax holiday weekend started in 1999.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.