Overview

• Texas shoppers can save state and local sales taxes on clothing, backpacks and school supplies priced under $100 through Sunday with a cap of ten backpacks per customer.
• Maryland’s exemption runs from Aug. 10 to 16 and covers the 6% sales tax on clothing and footwear under $100 plus the first $40 of backpacks and book bags.
• Retailers and consumers are front-loading purchases ahead of anticipated federal tariffs that are expected to raise import costs later this year.
• The National Retail Federation expects average back-to-school spending to drop to $858 per household in Texas, down from $874 last year.
• Walmart has cut prices on more than a dozen school staples and nonprofits in Baltimore and North Texas are hosting free supply events, haircuts and community festivals.