COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina is once again holding its annual tax-free weekend - but this time amid rising inflation nationwide.
The weekend tax break, which runs from Aug. 5 to Aug. 7, comes just in time for parents, students and teachers looking to stock up on various items for the upcoming school year.
According to the South Carolina Department of Revenue, shoppers can buy eligible items online and in South Carolina stores without having to pay the 6% sales tax typically associated with them.
The trick for some, however, might be figuring out exactly what is covered under the special 72-hour tax holiday. So we've compiled a list of things that are - and aren't - included.
Eligible tax-free items
- Art supplies for school
- Athletic uniforms
- Backpacks
- Bedding
- Blankets
- Coats and jackets
- Clothing
- Computers
- Computer parts and accessories when sold as a package with a computer
- Diapers
- Earbuds and headphones
- Flash drives
- Gloves and mittens
- Musical instruments for school
- Pillows
- Printers and printer supplies
- Purses and handbags
- School supplies
- Shoes and footwear
- Sleepwear
- Socks and underwear towels
- Uniforms (band, scouts, school, sports)
- Bath mats and rugs
- Bed skirts and dust ruffles
- Bedspreads, duvets, and comforters
- Blankets and throws
- Mattress pads and toppers
- Pillow cases and shams
- Pillows (all types)
- Sheets and sheet sets
- Shower curtains and liners
- Towels (all types and sizes) Washcloths
- Art supplies
- Binders and folders
- Books
- Bookbags
- Calculators
- Daily planners or organizers
- Glue, tape, staplers, staples
- Highlighters and markers
- Lunch boxes
- Musical instruments
- Notebooks and paper
- Pencils, sharpeners, erasers
- Pens
- Scissors
- Uniforms (band, scouts, school, sports)
- Accessories
- Belts and suspenders
- Hair accessories
- Hats and caps
- Purses and handbags
- Neckties and bow ties
- Activewear
- Exercise clothing
- Athletic uniforms
- Leotards and tights
- Hunting and ski clothing
- Swimwear Everyday
- Dresses and skirts
- Leggings
- Pants, jeans, and shorts
- Shirts and blouses
- Sleepwear
- Socks and underwear
- Suits and blazers
- Sweaters and sweatshirts
- Footwear
- All shoes including: cleats, dance shoes, rain boots, orthopedic shoes, skates, slippers
- Outerwear
- Coats (all types)
- Earmuffs
- Gloves and mittens
- Rainwear (raincoats, umbrellas, etc.)
- Scarves
- Vests
- Specialty Aprons
- Bibs
- Bridal gowns and veils
- Costumes
- Diapers
- Formal wear (gowns, tuxedos, etc.)
- Graduation caps and gowns
- Uniforms (band, scouts, school, sports)
- 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 with software)
- Printers
- Printer supplies, including replaceable ink cartridges
Excluded from tax-free holiday
- Briefcases, change purses, and wallets
- Cameras
- Cleaning supplies
- Computers used in a business
- Cosmetics
- e-Readers
- Furniture
- Glasses, sunglasses, and contacts
- Jewelry
- Mattresses and box springs
- Office supplies
- Sports equipment (baseball mitts, helmets, life jackets and vests, mouth guards, pads, etc.)
- Video game consoles.
- Bathroom accessories
- Cookware
- Furniture
- Hardware and tools
- Mattresses and box springs
- Paper towels
- Shower curtain hooks, rings, and rods
- Sleeping bags
- Stereo equipment
- Table cloths, placemats, napkins, and other table supplies
- Toilet paper
- Wastebaskets
- Window treatments
- Cleaning supplies
- Hobby equipment, supplies, and toys
- Office supplies
- Paper products that are not school supplies (tissues, paper towels)
- Backpacks not used for school
- Cosmetics
- Jewelry
- Protective and safety masks and goggles (athletic, sport, or for work)
- Safety equipment
- Sports equipment (baseball mitts, helmets, life jackets and vests, mouth guards, pads, etc.)
- Cell phones and smartphones
- Music and video players
- Replacement parts
- Video game consoles