Save money on back-to-school shopping this tax

The Deloitte Houston 2025 Back-to-School Retail Survey found that local K-12 parents plan to spend less than last year amid economic concerns.

Houston parents surveyed expect to spend $808 on average per child this year, down $90 from last year.

Save during tax-free weekend

This is the weekend you can buy back-to-school items tax-free, which will save you the state 6.25%, plus up to 2% for local sales tax, depending on the city where you shop. That means saving about $8 per $100 spent.

Items that are tax-free this weekend include clothing, shoes, school supplies, and backpacks, up to $100 per item. Electronics, however, such as laptops and tablets, are not tax-free. Tariffs are taking their toll. Overall, prices on backpacks, pencils, tablets, and art supplies are up 25% to 30% this ye