Many parents mark their calendars for tax free weekend because it’s the one time of year businesses – small and large alike – offer great sales ALONG with NO sales tax here in SC. And with school right around the corner, it’s a great time to stock up on the supplies you need!
But the list of eligible items goes beyond backpacks, pens, and laptops. It extends to the college-age crowd for bed linens, bath towels, and much more! For the full list of exempt items, visit the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
The tax-free weekend begins 12:01 a.m. August 2 to midnight August 4 … so grab your list, check it twice, and get to shopping!
Shopping In-Store or Online
Shopping in-store: Our bordering states, NC and GA no longer offer tax free weekends, so there could be additional crowds as they descend on the area to take advantage of some great deals! Pro tip: Consider curbside delivery if available.
Shopping online: As long as the item is ordered and paid for, and the order is accepted by the retailer during the weekend for immediate shipment, the exemption still applies, even if delivery is made after the holiday ends. If an item qualifies for exemption, the delivery charges associated with that item are also exempt.
Which Items are Tax Free?
Broadly, exempt items include:
- clothing and accessories
- footwear
- computers, software, and printers
- certain bed and bath supplies
- school supplies used for school assignments, including musical instruments and books like dictionaries, as well as those used for book reports and reading assignments
The exemption does not apply to:
- items for use in a trade or business
- items placed on layaway or a similar deferred payment and delivery plan
- clothing and footwear rentals
- cosmetics
- eyewear
- furniture
- jewelry
- cell phones, smartphones, or other handheld devices that make phone calls
- handheld devices that are primarily used to download and listen to music, download and watch videos, or download and read books
What Counts as a School Supply?
School supplies are items used in the classroom or at home for school assignments. Items such as refrigerators and toiletries purchased by college students are not used for school assignments and are not exempt. Similarly, these items purchased for office, business, or non-school use are not exempt.
School supplies include, but are not limited to:
- pens
- pencils, sharpeners, erasers
- paper
- binders
- notebooks
- books
- bookbags
- lunchboxes
- calculators
- school uniforms
- sport uniforms
- art supplies
- musical instruments
- Daily planners or organizers
- Flashdrives
- Glue, tape, staplers, staples
- Headphones and earbuds
- Highlighters and markers
What Kinds of Computer Accessories are Eligible?
Since the law includes computers but not computer supplies as eligible, a computer monitor, keyboard, or mouse sold by itself is taxable during the holiday period. These items are only exempt if they are used for school assignments and can be considered a school supply, or if they are purchased in a package with the computer itself. Digital music players, digital cameras, and cell phones or smartphones are not exempt regardless of whether they are purchased with a computer.
Which Retailers Participate?
Shop Local
Tax free weekend is a fantastic time to support local businesses and our economy. Education Wonderland is a small business geared toward everything classroom from bulletin board décor to educational games and school supplies. Looking to stock up on your child’s wardrobe? POSHture Boutique is a fantastic option for unique kids’ clothing and accessories!
Consider Less Crowded Shopping Spots
Don’t just get sucked into the same places that everyone else will be at (HINT: Columbiana Centre, although that’s a great place, too). Check out Five Points Shopping for a bit of eclectic flair. Also, Trenholm Plaza is a great option for a bite out and shopping!
