AUSTIN — State Senator Glenn Hegar announced today that the state's annual tax holiday will take place this Friday through Sunday (August 21-23). The tax holiday will provide Texas families with much-needed savings on back-to-school items.

Shoppers will have the once-a-year opportunity to save on school supplies, backpacks and clothing. Just as in previous years, retail customers will enjoy a full reprieve from sales and use tax for most clothing and footwear priced under $100. The holiday is fully inclusive--families and individuals do not need to have a child to take advantage of the savings, and will enjoy relief from both the 6.25% state sales tax as well as the additional 2% other entities may impose.

"With the downturn in the economy, so many family's budgets are stretched thin, an unfortunate reality that makes 2009's sales tax holiday all the more welcome" said Senator Hegar. "I was pleased to join with my colleagues during the 81st Texas Legislature in expanding the list of items that qualify for exemption from Texas state and local sales and use taxes, and I strongly encourage hardworking Texas families to take advantage of the sales tax holiday."

The sales tax holiday has saved shoppers nearly $442 million since it began in 1999. According to the Comptroller, Texas families are expected to save an estimated $65.7 million in state and local sales taxes this year.

Below is a list of some of the items and their exemption status for this weekend:

For more information please visit:

www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_490/tx98_490.html

Senator Hegar served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives and now represents Senate District 18 in the Texas Senate. He is a sixth generation Texan, and earns a living farming rice and corn on land that has been in his family since the mid 1800's. He currently resides in Katy, Texas with his wife Dara, and their three children, Claire, Julia, and Jonah.