Tax Free Weekend starts Friday in South Carolina. Here’s what you need to know

Michael Burgess II
·2 min read

South Carolina’s annual tax-free weekend will start at 12:01 a.m. Friday and run through 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

The weekend offers an advantage for people who plan back-to-school shopping. The sales tax holiday waives the 6% sales tax and any applicable local taxes on the purchase of specific items.

According to the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR), eligible items are:

  • Clothing (including custom-made clothes) and clothing accessories

  • Footwear

  • School supplies used for school assignments

  • Computers, computer software, printers and printer supplies (purchased or leased)

  • Certain bed and bath supplies

Items that are not included are:

  • Items for use in a trade or business

  • Items placed on layaway or similar deferred payment and delivery plans

  • Clothing and footwear rentals

  • Cosmetics

  • Eyewear

  • Furniture

  • Jewelry, wallets, and watches

The exemptions apply to all retailers during the weekend, and the eligible purchases can be made either in-store or online.

Food, which already is subject to some tax exemptions, does not qualify for the sales tax holiday.

Tax -free weekend should provide some relief for families amid rising costs with schools set to open soon.

Tax Free Weekend is a good opportunity for families to save money on school supplies for the upcoming school year.
Tax Free Weekend is a good opportunity for families to save money on school supplies for the upcoming school year.

According to the Department of Revenue, South Carolinians spent over $26 million on just tax-exempt items during Tax Free Weekend last year.

“With the increased cost of inflation, this year’s Sales Tax Holiday is a welcome relief for families. Everyone saves money during Tax Free Weekend, particularly on back-to-school essentials,” said SCDOR Director Hartley Powell in a recent press release.

In the Rock Hill region, some schools are set to start as early as next week.

Chester County and York Schools will start on Aug. 7. The Clover School District begins on Aug. 8. Rock Hill, Fort Mill and Lancaster school districts will begin on Aug. 21.