Shop tax free: Take a sales tax weekend break in South Carolina

Image by Flickr user the justified sinner

Attention, shoppers! South Carolina's 13th annual Sales Tax Holiday weekend is only a few weeks away, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 3, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on August 5.

(Ed's note: Are you a local business owner doing a promotion for the weekend, or want to share what it means to your business? Let us know down in the comments.)

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 are available on SCTax.org

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.