South Carolina holds tax-free weekend in early August each year

South Carolina's tax-free weekend runs for one week in early August — the exact dates shift slightly year to year, but it typically falls in the first or second week of the month. For 2024, the event runs August 2–8. The state announces the following year's dates by late spring, so you can plan ahead.

During this week, you pay no state sales tax on certain school supplies, clothing, and footwear. The federal tax still applies if the item is subject to it, but South Carolina's 6% state sales tax (plus any local tax your county adds) is waived on may have access to purchases.

The purpose is straightforward: to reduce the cost of back-to-school shopping for families. Many retailers advertise heavily during the week, and some offer additional discounts on top of the tax savings.

Key Takeaways

  • South Carolina's tax-free weekend occurs in early August each year, typically the first or second week of the month.
  • The state sales tax is waived on school supplies under $100 per item, clothing and footwear under $100 per item, and computers under $3,500.
  • Items like food, furniture, and electronics (except computers) remain taxed even during the weekend.
  • You do not need to register or show proof of student status — the tax exemption applies at checkout for all shoppers.

What items are tax-free during the weekend

School supplies under $100 per item are tax-free. This includes notebooks, pens, pencils, binders, folders, backpacks, calculators, and similar items. If a single item costs $100 or more, the full price is taxed — the exemption does not explore to part of the purchase.

Clothing and footwear under $100 per item are also exempt. This covers shirts, pants, shoes, socks, hats, and coats. Like school supplies, the $100 threshold applies per item. A pair of shoes priced at $99 is tax-free; a pair at $101 is fully taxed.

Computers under $3,500 are tax-free during the weekend. This includes laptops, desktops, and tablets used for school. Monitors, keyboards, and mice are not covered unless bundled with the computer as a single purchase.

What remains taxed during tax-free weekend

Items not on the exemption list are taxed normally, even during the weekend. Food and beverages — including school lunches, snacks, and drinks — remain taxed. Furniture, sports equipment, toys, and games are taxed. Electronics like headphones, speakers, and smartwatches (unless part of a computer bundle) are taxed.

Items that exceed the price cap are fully taxed. A backpack priced at $105 is taxed in full, not just on the $5 over the limit. School uniforms are tax-free if they meet the clothing definition, but costume clothing or specialty items may be treated differently depending on how the retailer categorizes them.

How the tax exemption works at checkout

You do not need to register, show a student ID, or provide proof of purchase for school. The tax exemption is automatic at the register when you buy a may have access to item during the weekend. The cashier's system is programmed to recognize tax-free items and remove the state sales tax from the total.

If an item is incorrectly taxed, ask the cashier to verify the price and category. Mistakes happen, especially with items near the $100 threshold. Keep your receipt — if you notice an error after leaving the store, you can return with the receipt to request a refund of the tax charged.

Planning your shopping around the dates

Because the dates are set in early August, you can mark your calendar months ahead. The South Carolina Department of Revenue publishes the exact dates on its website by late May or early June each year. If you shop online, check the retailer's policy — some online purchases made during the weekend may may have access to for the exemption, but others may not, depending on when the order ships and where it ships to.

Many stores advertise additional sales during tax-free weekend beyond the state tax savings. Comparing prices across retailers before the weekend can help you decide where to shop. Some families plan their back-to-school budget around the week to maximize savings on larger purchases like computers.

Local taxes and the total savings

South Carolina's state sales tax is 6%, but many counties add a local tax on top of that. The state exemption removes only the state portion, not the local tax. If your county has a 1% local tax, you still pay that 1% on tax-free items. The total local tax rate varies by county, ranging from 6% to 7.5% statewide.

On a $100 backpack in a county with a 6.5% total tax rate, you would normally pay $6.50 in tax. During tax-free weekend, you pay only the local portion — in this example, roughly $1 (the local tax only). The savings depend on your county's local tax rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a student to use tax-free weekend?

No. The exemption applies to anyone buying may have access to items during the weekend, regardless of age or student status. Parents, grandparents, and teachers can all take advantage of the tax savings.

What if I buy something on August 1st and it's tax-free weekend on August 2nd?

The exemption applies only to purchases made during the official weekend dates. If you buy an item on August 1st, you pay the full tax. You cannot return it and repurchase it during the weekend to avoid tax on the original sale.

Are online purchases covered by tax-free weekend?

It depends on the retailer and when the order ships. Some online retailers honor the exemption for orders placed during the weekend, while others do not. Check the retailer's website or call customer service before ordering to confirm whether your purchase will be tax-free.

Can I return an item bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax refund?

Yes. If you return a tax-free item, the refund should reflect the price without the state sales tax. Keep your receipt as proof of the original purchase date and price.

What if a store charges me tax on a tax-free item by mistake?

Ask the cashier to correct it before you leave. If you discover the error after checkout, return to the store with your receipt and ask for a refund of the tax charged. Most retailers will process this quickly.