Your guide to tax-free weekend in South Carolina

school supplies for tax-free weekend

Photo via Pexels

South Carolina’s tax-free holiday is coming up this weekend + whether your student will be heading back into the classroom or learning virtually this fall, they’ll need supplies to help them put their best foot forward this year. 🤓 With many budgets tightened this year, the tax-free weekend will help you save on the back-to-school essentials.

We’ve got all the details to make back-to-school shopping an A+ experience. ⬇️

🛍️ When is it?

This year’s tax-free holiday is Fri., Aug. 7 through Sun., Aug. 9. During the weekend, many school essentials are exempt from the state’s 6% sales tax (and applicable local taxes).

🛍️ So, what’s exempt?

Generally, clothing, accessories, shoes and footwear, school/art supplies, bed/bath, + computers are tax-exempt. A few examples are: calculators, daily planners, lunch boxes, pens, laptops, printers, apparel, earbuds, swimwear, belts, school uniforms, coats, + more.

🛍️ And what’s NOT exempt?

Here are a few things that are not exempt: Jewelry, sporting equipment, wallets, musical instruments, eyeglasses, furniture, sleeping bags, cell phones, cameras, + items put on layaway.

🛍️ Can anyone take advantage of these deals?

Yup. While parents + students often find great back-to-school deals, anyone can buy items that qualify + save.

🛍️ Can I shop tax-free weekend online?

You bet. Items bought in-store + online are eligible for a tax exemption. Just be sure that the online purchase falls under the eligibility requirements for tax exempt items.

🛍️ What about COVID-19?

In order to stay safe + healthy, the Department of Revenue recommends checking mask policies and utilizing online ordering + curbside pickup.

More from COLAtoday
Bluetile’s first Nike SB Dunk arrives in Columbia with a butterfly-inspired design and a Five Points block party on Saturday, May 2.
Richland Library is marking National Library Week with a collectible ND Stevenson card and a behind-the-scenes nod to library workers.
The Gervais Street Bridge Dinner is back this fall, returning as the newly renamed Three Rivers Bridge Dinner.
Columbia’s Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli will open a second location in Lexington, taking over the former Café Strudel space.
Columbia and SCDOT are seeking public input on plans to improve safety and connectivity along Assembly Street in downtown Columbia.
Riverbanks Zoo welcomes endangered cotton-top tamarins, including a young female rescued from the pet trade and now on view.
Long lines, exclusive vinyl, and live performances bring crowds to Papa Jazz and Scratch N Spin.
When the sun is shining and the weather is perfect, pack a bag and head out to one of the many spots great for remote work in Columbia. From coffee shops to public parks, we have a plethora of places to refresh your mind and step away from your home desk.
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.