The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) reminds shoppers that computers, clothes, school supplies, and a variety of other school-year essentials can be purchased without paying Sales Tax during South Carolina’s annual 72-hour Tax Free Weekend, starting August 2.
“As inflation continues to drain many wallets, this year’s Tax Free Weekend offers some relief for weary families,” said SCDOR Director Hartley Powell. “Every shopper saves money during this tax holiday, particularly on back-to-school essentials.”
Here’s what you need to know about Tax Free Weekend:
The 2024 Tax Free Weekend, also called the Sales Tax Holiday, is Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4.
Eligible items can be purchased online and in-store without paying the state’s 6% Sales Tax and any applicable local taxes during the weekend.
Tax-free items include computers, printers, diapers, earbuds and headphones, purses, printers, shoes, and certain bed and bath items. Eligible items can be new or used and are eligible regardless of price.
Items that are not exempt from Sales Tax during Tax Free Weekend include digital cameras, smartphones, jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear, wallets, watches, and furniture.
Tax Free Weekend started in 2000:
Tax Free Weekend was created by the South Carolina Legislature and is outlined in SC Code Section 12-36-2120(57).
Last year, South Carolina shoppers bought more than $30.4 million in tax-free items during Tax Free Weekend. Shoppers saved more than $1.8 million in Sales Tax.
Teachers – Giving you the scoop on Tax Free Weekend is just one way the SCDOR is helping you prepare for the school year. If you’re interested in teaching your middle school or high school students about the basics of Individual Income Tax, learn more about our Teacher’s Guide.
Information for Retailers:
All retailers who sell eligible items participate in the Tax Free Weekend and cannot collect Sales Tax from their customers on eligible purchases.
Retailers can find graphics, sample posts for social media, and retailer-specific FAQs at dor.sc.gov/retailer-toolkit.
Sales of eligible tax-free items during Tax Free Weekend should be reported and taken as a deduction on your August Sales Tax return (which is due in September).
The easiest way to file and pay Sales Tax and manage all of your South Carolina tax accounts is using our free online tax portal, MyDORWAY.
For tips on filing your Sales Tax return on MyDORWAY, check out our video tutorial.
For more information
For a detailed list of tax-free items, shopping lists, and FAQs, visit dor.sc.gov/taxfreeweekend.
Review Revenue Ruling #19-4 for FAQs and Information Letter #24-7 for a complete list of exempt and non-exempt items.
If you feel like you were charged Sales Tax on an exempt item during Tax Free Weekend, requesting a refund from the retailer should be your first step. If it’s helpful, refer them to Revenue Ruling 19-4 . Retailers with questions about Tax Free Weekend can contact the SCDOR at SalesTax@dor.sc.gov.
Share the savings!
Retailers can spread the word about their favorite Tax Free Weekend deals, and shoppers can share their savings and photos using the hashtag #SCtaxfree.
