Sales Tax Free Holiday Kicks Off in Texas

It may be August but for many in the Lone Star state it feels a little like Christmas. Moms and dads got up early Friday and braved long lines as the eighth annual sales tax free holiday got underway in Texas. From Friday to Sunday, parents and their children will be stocking up on school necessities without paying sales tax. "With kids going to school every little bit helps," says Sam Riel the manager at Texarkana`s Target. For every 100 dollars spent, expect to save around eight dollars. The sales tax holiday has been an annual outing for Carol Stacey and her two boys. "We always wait because I know I can get it cheaper this weekend," Stacey said. But its not just people with kids hoping to cash in this weekend. 81 year old Ben Purifoy and his wife have been busy cruising the isles looking for deals. Purifoy say, "I need a pair of shoes and a belt. I`m going to try and find one. If I don`t, I`ll have to pay tax next time." Shoppers beware not everything is sales tax exempt. Items like shirts, shoes and socks are good to go. But not pencils, paper, or backpacks. Riels says it can be a little confusing. "Parents think a lot fthe school supplies are exempt but are not," he says. To find out what`s exempt and what`s not, you can log on to the link below. http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_490/tx98_490.html