Sales tax holiday kicks off Aug. 5

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Shoppers around South Carolina can save on purchases during the state’s annual 72-hour sales tax holiday, which begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5 and runs through midnight Sunday, Aug. 7, the South Carolina Department of Revenue announced.

The holiday allows purchases of computers, clothes, school supplies and a variety of other items free of the state’s 6% sales tax and applicable local taxes. Eligible items can be purchased in stores or online.

"With the increased cost of living, this year's sales tax holiday is a welcome relief for families,” said Hartley Powell, the Department of Revenue’s director. “Everyone saves money during a tax-free holiday, particularly on back-to-school essentials.”

Tax-free items include computers, printers, school supplies, clothing and accessories, shoes and certain bed and bath items. These items can be new or used and are eligible regardless of price. Items that are not tax-free during the holiday include digital cameras, smartphones, jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear, wallets, watches and furniture.

Last year, South Carolina shoppers bought more than $24.5 million in tax-free items during the Sales Tax Holiday.

All retailers who sell eligible items participate in the sales tax holiday and cannot collect sales tax from their customers on eligible purchases.

For a detailed list of tax-free items, visit https://dor.sc.gov/taxfreeweekend