South Carolina’s sales tax-free weekend starts Aug. 7

South Carolina’s sales tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 7 and end at 11:59 p.m. Aug. 9.

During the weekend, many items are exempt from the state’s 6 percent sales tax and any applicable local taxes.

The state Department of Revenue estimates that shoppers statewide save about $3 million over the course of the weekend. The sales tax holiday also benefits in-state businesses by encouraging taxpayers to do back-to-school shopping in South Carolina.

“The sales tax holiday increases foot traffic and sales at local businesses,” said Rick Jiran, chairman of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a huge incentive for shoppers.”

Shopping locally is a year-round effort by the chamber. The regional chamber estimates that 45 cents of every dollar spent at a local business stays within a community, compared to just 15 cents of every dollar spent at national chains and other non-local businesses.

Last year, area merchants reported more business, as it was the first time South Carolina did not compete with North Carolina merchants for tax-free sales. N.C. lawmakers ended that state’s tax-free weekend in 2014.

During the holiday, sales tax will not be imposed on items such as clothing, shoes, school supplies, book bags, computers, printers, bedspreads and linens. Nonexempt items include the sale of jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear, furniture, or items placed on layaway.

The National Retail Federation’s Back-to-School Spending Survey estimates that the average family with children in grades K-12 will spend about $630.36 on electronics, apparel and other school needs this year, down from $669.28 last year.

This story was originally published July 21, 2015 at 12:08 PM with the headline "South Carolina’s sales tax-free weekend starts Aug. 7."