South Carolina's tax free weekend returns this weekend! During this time, the state will be dropping it's 6% sales tax on back to school items. Tax free items range from clothing, accessories, and shoes to school supplies, backpacks, and computers. Shoppers will also find tax free items for the home and dorm room.
The tax free weekend officially kicks off Friday August 3rd at 12:01am and ends Sunday August 5th at midnight.
The South Carolina Department of Revenue says "In past years, South Carolina shoppers have saved between $2 million and $3 million during the holiday weekend."
Below you can find everything you can and cannot buy during the South Carolina Tax Free Weekend.
School Supplies
EXEMPT:
- Binders
- Blue books
- Books
- Bookbags
- Calculators
- Daily planners or organizers
- Highlighters
- Lunchboxes
- Musical instruments
- Notebooks
- Paper
- Pencils
- Pens
- School uniforms
- Sport uniforms
NOT EXEMPT:
- Backpacks not used for school
- Daily planners or organizers not used as a school supply
- Glasses
- Hobby equipment, supplies, and toys
- Paper products that are not school supplies (gift wrap, greeting cards, paper towels, etc.)
- School office and janitorial supplies
Technology
EXEMPT:
- Computers
- Computer parts and accessories (i.e. monitors, keyboards, and scanners) when sold as a package with a computer
- Computer software and service contracts (sold in conjunction with software)
- Printer supplies, including replaceable ink cartridges
- Printers
NOT EXEMPT:
- Cameras
- Cell phones
- Computer parts and accessories (i.e. monitors, keyboards, and scanners) when not sold in conjunction with a computer
- Digital cameras
- Music players
- Printer replacement parts (printers are exempt)
- Smartphones
- Tapes, records, and CDs
Dorm & Home
EXEMPT:
- Bath mats and rugs
- Bath washcloths
- Bed comforters and sets
- Bed duvets and covers
- Bed skirts and dust ruffles
- Bed sheets and sheet sets
- Bed spreads
- Blankets (including electric)
- Mattress pads and toppers
- Pillow cases and shams
- Pillows (all types)
- Shower curtains and liners
- Towels (all types and sizes)
NOT EXEMPT:
- Bathroom accessories or supplies
- Clocks
- Cookware
- Furniture
- Hardware and tools
- Hobby equipment
- Housewares
- Mattresses and box springs
- Paper towels
- Sewing accessories
- Sheet stretchers
- Shower curtain hooks, rings, and rods
- Sleeping bags
- Stereo equipment
- Table cloths, placemats, napkins and other table supplies
- Toilet paper
- Toys
- Vitamins
- Wastebaskets
- Window treatments (curtains, drapes, shades, valances, etc.)
Clothing & Accessories
EXEMPT:
Accessories:
- Belts and suspenders
- Hair accessories (barrettes, bobby pins, bows, clips, headbands, ponytail holders, etc.)
- Hats and caps
- Purses and handbags
- Ties and bow ties
Activewear:
- Aerobic clothing
- Athletic uniforms
- Bathing suits and trunks
- Jogging suits
- Leotards and tights
- Riding pants
- Ski boots, masks, and suits
- Sport clothing and uniforms
- Sweat pants, shirts, and suits
Outerwear:
- Coats and jackets
- Earmuffs
- Gloves (batting, bicycle, dress, garden, golf, ski, tennis, etc.)
- Hand muffs
- Hunting vests
- Leg warmers
- Mittens
- Ponchos
- Rainwear (raincoats, umbrellas, etc.)
- Scarves
- Shawls and wraps
- Waders
Specialty:
- Aprons
- Baby bibs
- Bridal gowns and veils
- Costumes
- Diapers (including adult; cloth or disposable)
- Formal clothing (gowns, suits, tuxedos, etc.)
- Graduation caps and gowns
- School uniforms
- Scout uniforms
Footwear:
- Boots
- Overshoes and galoshes
- Shoes
- Skates (in-line, ice, and roller)
- Slippers
- Sneakers
Hosiery & intimates
- Bras
- Corsets and corset laces
- Pantyhose
- Robes
- Slips
- Support hosiery
- Tights
- Underwear
NOT EXEMPT:
- Backpacks not used for school
- Briefcases
- Change purses
- Cosmetics
- Employee uniforms
- Glasses and sunglasses
- Jewelry
- Personal flotation devices
- Protective and safety masks and goggles (athletic, sport, or occupational)
- Safety clothing or shoes for use in a trade or business
- Sporting equipment (baseball mitts, golf clubs, helmets, hockey mitts, life jackets and vests, masks, pads, swim fins, swimming masks, goggles, etc.)
- Watches and bands
Photo: SC Department of Revenue