Shop for school supplies tax-free in the state of Texas Friday through Sunday, August 9-11. Most clothing, shoes and school supplies under $100 are exempt from sales tax as parents and children prepare for the new school year, which begins August 14 for most Highland Lakes students.

Texas began tax-free weekends 25 years ago, and since 1999, shoppers have saved an estimated $1.8 billion in state and local sales taxes, according to Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar.

The Comptroller General estimates that shoppers will save about $143.4 million in state and local sales taxes this year.

A list of tax-free categories can be found online at TexasTaxHoliday.org. Purchases can be made in-store, online, by phone or by mail.

Only 20 states waive or reduce sales tax on various products for a limited time.

“As they grew into teenagers and young adults, my three children developed a greater understanding of the importance of saving about $8 for every $100 spent on purchasing everything from blue jeans to binders to backpacks,” Hegar said in a press release about the tax-free weekend. “These expenses – and savings – add up over the years, so our family looks forward to each sales tax-free day.”