Solomon Ortiz, Jr.

August 18th, 2009

~ Texas Families Save Millions August 21st through 23rd~

AUSTIN-- State Representative Solomon Ortiz, Jr. (D-Corpus Christi) reminded Texas' families that the annual back-to-school Sales Tax Holiday starts on Friday, August 21st and ends at midnight on Sunday, August 23rd. Starting this year, tax free items include notepads, pens, pencils, binders and other school supplies under $100.

"The Sales Tax Holiday is a great way to save money while preparing for the new school year," Rep. Ortiz said. "I'm proud the Texas Legislature passed a bill adding school supplies to the list of tax-exempt items, because the cost of supplies can add up for families with several children. I've supported this legislation for two sessions now, and it couldn't have passed soon enough for Texas families."

Texas families are expected to save $65 million in sales tax during this year's Sales Tax Holiday. Click here to watch a video message from Rep. Ortiz regarding the holiday.

Rep. Ortiz explained that consumers will not be required to pay state or local sales tax on items less than $100, no matter how much they buy. The following is an all-inclusive list of qualifying school supplies (if priced less than $100):

* Binders
* Book bags
* Calculators
* Cellophane tape
* Blackboard chalk
* Compasses
* Composition books
* Crayons
* Erasers
* Folders; expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila
* Glue, paste and paste sticks
* Highlighters
* Index cards
* Index card boxes
* Legal pads
* Lunch boxes
* Markers
* Notebooks
* Paper
* Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes
* Pencil sharpeners
* Pencils
* Pens
* Protractors
* Rulers
* Scissors
* Writing tablets

"As a former teacher, I know how expensive it can get at the beginning of the school year," Rep. Ortiz said. "This weekend parents have the opportunity to keep more money in their pockets and still buy their children the clothes they need to start school."

In this difficult economy, some families may not be able to afford all they need even with the tax savings, said Rep. Ortiz. Therefore, he explained, Texans will not be charged sales tax on tax-exempt items placed on layaway or items bought out from layaway during the Sales Tax Holiday.

During the 2007 session of the Texas Legislature, Rep. Ortiz supported extending the tax holiday to include school backpacks. For a full list of all items that will be tax-free, visit: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_490/tx98_490.html.