Take a break from South Carolina sales tax in August (update)

Flickr user mattimattila

Updated August 7: The tax-free weekend is well under way.  

The Island Packet has a report about some of the tax-free action happening around the county this weekend (read that here.)

As for us, we've been dodging the crowds for the time savings factore (but we don't have kids either) — how about you?

Reported July 16: Attention, shoppers! South Carolina's 12 annual Sales Tax Holiday weekend is only a few weeks away, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on August 5th and continuing until midnight on August 7th.

That's right--if you're in need of back-to-school supplies, clothes, computers, housewares, or just about anything else that normally comes with our state's 6% sales tax, make sure that you take advantage of the Sales Tax Holiday and save.

The official reason for the tax holiday is to give shoppers the chance to save on their back-to-school needs. However, you don't have to have kids or be in school to take advantage of the sales tax savings.

But be aware: The holiday doesn't apply to everything, including jewelry, eyewear, watches, cosmetics, clothing or shoe rentals, wallets, items placed on layaway, items for use at a business, or furniture.

As a rule of thumb, if the item could in any way be conceived to be used by a student, it will qualify for the sales-tax break (computers, sheets, shoes, pens; but not cookware, jewelry, and greeting cards). But, a few things you might expect to be on sale won't be, (i.e. Golf clubs, no; Capri pants, yes). The list of discounted items remains the same as last year.

full list of the exempt and non-exempt items as well as answers to some oft-asked questions is available on SCTax.org. North Carolina and Tennessee also hold their sales tax holidays the same weekend — Georgia has once again canceled their weekend.

And if you're not a crowd-lover, know this: The tax-free weekend is the third business time of the year to shop...so it's sure to be a little chaotic out there.

According to a survey done by the National Retail Federation, the average family will spend some $606.40 -- and at a 6% tax that's some $36 in savings.