Stores prep for annual Texas tax-free weekend

Texas stores and shoppers are preparing for the annual tax-free holiday as students get ready to return to school.

The Texas comptroller’s office says the break from state and local sales taxes runs Friday through Sunday.

Most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 are exempt from sales and use taxes. Lay-away plans can be used to take advantage of the Texas sales tax holiday. There are some exceptions, with taxes still due on accessories, luggage and some specialty clothing.

Shoppers in the Dallas area will have another choice for purchases. The Paragon Outlets in Grand Prairie, with more than 417,000 square feet of retail space, will open Thursday.

Mall officials say the more than 100 stores are creating about 1,700 jobs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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Online:

http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/taxholiday/d/

http://www.paragonoutletsgp.com/