I am in the US temporarily and I am buying electronic stuff: iPod, computer upgrades,. etc. Can I claim the taxes I paid in Houston international airport? If so do I need to show the guys at the airport the reciepts or will they ask to see the items?

I think the issue is really, are you going to pay duty on the items when you get back to your own country, where are you from? You probably are allowed to bring several hundered dollars worth of stuff into your own country duty free, it is for your own personal use, YES.

I don't think a US airport cares what you take out of the country, keep your receipt handy though. If you are going to carry any of these items in you carry on bag, just make sure it legal to carry onboard.

You will not get it back. The sales tax is charged by the State and the U.S. Federal government neither determines nor receives it. Federal government cannot refund state sales taxes. It is not the same as value-added tax (VAT).
The VAT is a national tax commonly applied in foreign countries that is included in the actual sales price rather than at the time of purchase. The United States does not have a VAT.

Many states do not charge tax on items shipped out of state. Ask about state sales tax policies (from the seller) in the state where you make your purchases.

MukatA makes some good points.

The state of Texas refunds sales taxes charges at the border crossings, but I doubt that it will be done at the Houston airport.

I suspect that you can find the correct answer by checking out the tax portion of the Texas state government website.

Hi all ,In order to obtain a refund on purchased goods you have to prove exportation with a customs stamp on your Tax Refund Cheque. Show your purchases, receipts, and the Tax Refund Cheque to customs officials before leaving the country, and have your cheque stamped. When traveling within the EU, show your purchases and documents to customs officials in the last EU country you visit before leaving Europe. When leaving by train, road or sea, show your purchases and documents to customs officials at the border or when you board the ship.
Or for overseas shopping tax refund I found "http://www.Global-blue.com" they refund taxes paid on overseas purchase.
They can be found in over 270,000 locations worldwide just look for the logo or ask the staff if they provide the service .

Hi all ,In order to obtain a refund on purchased goods you have to prove exportation with a customs stamp on your Tax Refund Cheque. Show your purchases, receipts, and the Tax Refund Cheque to customs officials before leaving the country, and have your cheque stamped. When traveling within the EU, show your purchases and documents to customs officials in the last EU country you visit before leaving Europe. When leaving by train, road or sea, show your purchases and documents to customs officials at the border or when you board the ship.
Or for overseas shopping tax refund I found "http://www.Global-blue.com" they refund taxes paid on overseas purchase.
They can be found in over 270,000 locations worldwide just look for the logo or ask the staff if they provide the service .http://global-blue.com

Yes you can.

http://www.taxfreetexas.com/FAQ.html