SC’s tax-free weekend is days away. Here’s how to save on back-to-school items
South Carolinians, and some North Carolina residents who make the drive across the border, can save dozens on certain back-to-school items this weekend during the state’s annual tax-free weekend.
For 72 hours, shoppers in South Carolina do not have to pay the state’s 6% sales tax and local sales tax on certain items, according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue. York County has an additional 1% sales tax, through its Pennies for Progress program, to fund local transportation improvements, according to the York County Economic Development.
The state’s annual exemption, which began in 2000, applies to computers, clothes, school supplies and a variety of other items, the department said.
The state’s tax-free weekend will start Aug. 5 at 12:01 a.m. and end at midnight on Aug. 7, according to the department.
Tax-free items bought online also qualify for the exemption, the department said.
North Carolina no longer holds tax-free weekends after the state ended its program in 2013, but there’s nothing stopping residents from participating in South Carolina’s upcoming one.
Here’s what shoppers need to know about eligible items.
Eligible tax-free items
▪ Clothing and accessories
▪ Shoes
▪ Diapers
▪ School supplies used for school assignments
▪ Musical instruments for school
▪ Computers, software, printers and printer supplies
▪ Certain bed and bath supplies, including bedding, blankets, pillows and towels
Items that aren’t eligible
▪ Items for use in a trade or business
▪ Items placed on layaway or similar deferred payment and delivery plan
▪ Clothing and shoe rentals
▪ Cosmetics
▪ Eyewear
▪ Furniture
▪ Jewelry
Shoppers can find a detailed list of items included and not included in South Carolina’s tax-free weekend on the South Carolina Department of Revenue’s website.
This story was originally published August 4, 2022 at 7:39 AM.
