From Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9, Texas shoppers can buy qualifying school items tax free, and that gives Van Alstyne families a practical shopping window before Van Alstyne ISD begins on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
According to the Texas Comptroller, most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks sold for less than $100 qualify for the exemption. That also includes eligible online or catalog orders placed with sellers doing business in Texas, and in most cases shoppers do not need to provide an exemption certificate.
Not every back-to-school purchase makes the list. The Comptroller says computers, textbooks, handbags and most specially designed athletic or protective gear still do not qualify, and items bought before Friday, Aug. 7, or after Sunday, Aug. 9, are not eligible for a refund.
Van Alstyne shoppers will probably get the most out of the weekend by planning ahead for the basics and checking prices item by item. In Texas, the exemption applies to each qualifying item sold for less than $100, not to the whole cart.
