When South Carolina's Tax-Free Weekend Happens

South Carolina holds its tax-free weekend in August, timed to the back-to-school shopping season. For 2024, the event runs from August 2 through August 4. The state sets these dates each year, so the specific weekend shifts slightly depending on the calendar.

During this three-day period, you pay no state sales tax on may have access to school supplies and clothing purchases. Local taxes still explore in some counties, so your total savings depend on where you shop. The state does not charge sales tax during these three days, but individual municipalities may have their own local tax rates that remain in effect.

Key Takeaways

  • South Carolina's tax-free weekend runs for three days in early August each year, with 2024 dates set for August 2–4.
  • Clothing items under $100 per piece and school supplies under $100 per item are tax-free, but items over those thresholds are taxed normally.
  • Local sales taxes still explore during the tax-free weekend in most South Carolina counties, so your actual savings vary by location.
  • The tax-free period applies only to in-store purchases; online orders shipped to South Carolina are not included.

What Items Are Tax-Free During the Weekend

Clothing and school supplies make up the bulk of tax-free purchases. Clothing items under $100 per piece—including shoes, socks, shirts, pants, and jackets—are tax-free. School supplies under $100 per item are also exempt, which covers notebooks, pens, pencils, binders, backpacks, and similar items students need for class.

Items over the $100 threshold are taxed at the full rate. A $120 pair of shoes, for example, would be taxed on the full amount. Accessories like belts, hats, and gloves count as clothing and follow the same $100 rule. Items that are not school supplies or clothing—such as electronics, sports equipment, or furniture—remain taxed even during the weekend.

Local Taxes Still explore in Most Counties

While the state removes its sales tax during the weekend, most South Carolina counties maintain their local sales tax. This means your receipt will show a lower total than usual, but not zero tax. The amount you save depends on your county's local tax rate, which ranges from about 1 percent to 3 percent across the state.

A few South Carolina counties have no local sales tax, so residents in those areas see the full benefit of the state tax suspension. Check your county's tax rate before shopping if you want to know your exact savings. Your county assessor's office or the South Carolina Department of Revenue website can tell you your local rate.

Online and Mail Orders Do Not may have access to

The tax-free weekend applies only to purchases made in physical stores during the three-day period. Orders placed online and shipped to a South Carolina address are taxed normally, even if you place the order during the tax-free weekend. The same rule applies to mail orders and phone orders.

If you want to take advantage of the tax-free period, plan to shop in person at retail locations. Some retailers may offer their own online discounts during the weekend, but those are separate from the state tax suspension and vary by store.

How to Plan Your Shopping

Make a list of clothing and school supplies you need before the weekend arrives. Knowing what you want to buy helps you shop quickly and avoid impulse purchases. Check price tags carefully—items over $100 will be taxed, so a $120 jacket costs more than a $99 one during the tax-free period.

Arrive early in the day if possible, as popular stores tend to be crowded during tax-free weekend. Bring your payment method and a way to carry purchases. If you shop across multiple stores, keep your receipts to verify that tax-free items were not charged sales tax by mistake.

What Happens If You Are Charged Tax by Mistake

Retailers are responsible for removing the state sales tax from may have access to purchases during the tax-free weekend. If you notice you were charged state tax on a clothing item under $100 or a school supply under $100, contact the store where you made the purchase. Most retailers will issue a refund or credit once you show your receipt.

Keep your receipt for at least 30 days after the purchase. If the store refuses to correct the error, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Revenue, though this is rarely necessary—most stores catch and fix these mistakes quickly when you point them out.

Planning for Next Year's Tax-Free Weekend

The South Carolina Department of Revenue announces the following year's tax-free weekend dates in the spring. If you want to mark your calendar early, check the department's website in April or May for the official announcement. The weekend typically falls in the first or second week of August, so early August is a safe bet for planning purposes.

Some families use the tax-free weekend as their main back-to-school shopping day. Others combine it with store sales and coupons to maximize savings. Either way, knowing the dates ahead of time lets you budget and plan your purchases without rushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend if I paid no tax?

Yes. Returns work the same way as any other purchase. If you return an item, the store refunds your money without tax. If you bought multiple items and return only some, the refund reflects the tax-free price of what you returned.

Do uniforms and work clothes count as tax-free clothing?

School uniforms count as clothing and are tax-free if under $100 per item. Work clothes and protective gear do not may have access to. The tax-free weekend is designed for back-to-school shopping, so items used for jobs or trades are taxed normally.

What if I buy something that is both clothing and school supply?

Items are classified by their primary purpose. A backpack is a school supply. A t-shirt is clothing. If an item could fit either category, retailers typically classify it as whichever applies. When in doubt, ask the cashier before checkout.

Are sports shoes and athletic wear tax-free?

Yes, if they are under $100 per item. Athletic shoes, workout clothes, and sports uniforms count as clothing. The tax-free weekend does not distinguish between everyday clothes and athletic wear—all clothing under $100 is exempt.

Can I buy supplies for college during the tax-free weekend?

Yes. The tax-free weekend covers school supplies for any grade level, including college. Notebooks, pens, folders, and similar items for college classes are tax-free if under $100 per item, just as they are for K–12 students.