Tomorrow begins the tax-free holiday weekend, aimed mostly at parents of school kids even though some schools, like Houston ISD, have been open for a week.
As always, the state has issued official lists of what gets taxed and what doesn’t. And as always, those lists can leave you scratching your head.
7. Taxed: Hard hats
In case you were wondering if a hard hat counts as school supplies, it doesn’t. Unless you’re learning at the Construction High, in which case you’re just out of luck.
6. Not taxed: Belts with buckles. Taxed: Buckles without belts
This is Texas, right? A man has the right to choose his hubcap-sized belt buckle and match it up to whatever belt he wants, correct? NOT WHEN RICK PERRY’S RUNNING THE STATE. Vote Democratic, yo, cowboys.
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| School’s open! Stock up on those onesies! |
5. Taxed: Golf gloves
Kinkaid, you have been warned.
4. Not taxed: Robes
Because no schoolkid’s outfit is complete without a comfy terrycloth robe. For some reason.
3. Not taxed: Hiking boots. Taxed: Climbing boots
Better hope those trails are flat and level.
2.Taxed: Handkerchiefs
Use your sleeve, kids.
1. Not taxed: Baby clothes
Well, you know how promiscuous students are these days. Plus, a new UT study says sex helps stop teen delinquency.
This article appears in Aug 18-24, 2011.