New card aims to simplify purchasing process for farmers

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S.C. farmers have a new way to show eligibility for certain sales tax exemptions. 

The South Carolina Agricultural Tax Exemption card will replace a paper form, the ST-8F, that farmers have had to fill out to receive sales tax exemptions for items used in agricultural production.

After April 1, retailers will no longer accept the paper form, according to a news release from the S.C. Department of Agriculture. Purchasers will instead show the plastic SCATE card or key fob when making exempt purchases, which will remain the same. 

“Farmers have asked us to modernize the sales tax exemption process, and the new SCATE card we’ve developed will do just that,” S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers said in the release. “I’d like to thank Senate Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler for his support of this new endeavor.”

SCATE card applications are available at scatecard.com. Applications will need a tax ID number, a valid email address, and a credit card or checking account number to pay the $24 card fee. 

Cards expire three years from the date of issues.

“We’re excited to assist the Department of Agriculture with this improvement, which makes the exemption process easier for both farmers and retailers,” said S.C. Department of Revenue Director Hartley Powell.

SCDOR requires that retailers maintain evidence of exempt sales, including the SCATE card number, and report exempt sales. 
For more information, including the full list of tax exemptions, email scate@scda.sc.gov or call 803-734-2210.