What is included in South Carolina’s tax-free weekend?

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – Shoppers across South Carolina can purchase various items free of sales tax during the state’s annual Sales Tax Holiday this weekend.

The 72-hour tax-free weekend will begin on Friday, August 5, and runs through Sunday, August 7.

Eligible items – from computers to clothes, school supplies, and dorm room accessories – can be purchased both online and in-store without paying the state’s 6% sales tax and any applicable local taxes during the period, according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

“With the increased cost of living, this year’s Sales Tax Holiday is a welcome relief for families. Everyone saves money during a tax-free holiday, particularly on back-to-school essentials,” said SCDOR Director Hartley Powell.

TAX-FREE ITEMS INCLUDE

Note: these are examples and not a comprehensive list

School Supplies

• Art supplies
• Binders and folders
• Books
• Bookbags
• Calculators
• Daily planners and organizers
• Flash drives
• Glue, tape, staplers, staples
• Headphones and earbuds
• Highlighters and markers
• Lunch boxes
• Musical instruments
• Notebooks and paper
• Pencils, sharpeners, erasers
• Pens
• Scissors
• Uniforms (band, scouts, school, sports)

Bed and Bath

• Bath mats and rugs
• Bed skirts and dust ruffles
• Bedspreads, duvets, and comforters
• Blankets and throws
• Mattress pads and toppers
• Pillow cases and shams
• Pillows (all types)
• Sheets and sheet sets
• Shower curtains and liners
• Towers (all types and sizes)
• Washcloths

Computers and Technology

• Computers
• Computer parts and accessories (like monitors, keyboards, and scanners) when sold as a package with a computer
• Computer software and service contracts (sold with software)
• Printers
• Printer supplies, including replaceable ink cartridges

Clothing and Accessories

Accessories

• Belts and suspenders
• Hair accessories
• Hats and caps
• Purses and handbags
• Neckties and bow ties

Activewear

• Exercise clothing
• Athletic uniforms
• Leotards and tights
• Hunting and ski clothing
• Swimwear

Everyday

• Dresses and skirts
• Leggings
• Pants, jeans, and shorts
• Shirts and blouses
• Sleepwear
• Socks and underwear
• Suits and blazers
• Sweaters and sweatshirts

Footwear (all shoes including:)

• Cleats
• Dance shoes
• Rain boots
• Orthopedic shoes
• Skates
• Slippers

Outerwear

• Coats (all types)
• Earmuffs
• Gloves and mittens
• Rainwear (raincoats, umbrellas, etc.)
• Scarves
• Vests

Specialty

• Aprons
• Bibs
• Bridal gowns and veils
• Costumes
• Diapers
• Formal wear (gowns, tuxedos, etc.)
• Graduation caps and gowns

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Backpacks that are not used for school
• Bathroom accessories
• Briefcases
• Cleaning supplies
• Cookware
• Cosmetics
• Digital cameras
• Eyewear, sunglasses, glasses
• eReaders
• Furniture
• Hardware and tools
• Hobby equipment, supplies, toys
• Jewelry
• Mattresses and box springs
• Music and video players
• Office supplies,
• Paper products that are not school supplies (tissues, paper towels)
• Replacement parts
• Safety equipment
• Smartphones/cellphones
• Shower curtain hooks, rings, and rods
• Sleeping bags
• Stereo equipment
• Sports equipment (baseball mitts, helmets, life jackets and vests, mouth guards, pads, etc.)
• Table cloths, placemats, napkins and other table supplies
• Toilet paper
• Video game consoles
• Wallets, change purses
• Watches and bands
• Wastebaskets
• Window treatments

South Carolina shoppers purchased more than $24.5 million in tax-free items during the sales tax holiday, according to SCDOR.