South Carolina's Tax-Free Weekend Runs in August
South Carolina holds its tax-free weekend in August each year, and for 2024 it runs from Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4. During these three days, you pay no state sales tax on certain school supplies, clothing, and footwear — but not everything qualifies, and the rules about what's covered are specific.
The state has run this event annually since 1999, timed to help families prepare for the school year. It applies to in-store purchases only; online orders do not may have access to, even if you buy from a South Carolina retailer. You do still pay local sales taxes in most counties, so your total tax savings depends on where you live.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina's tax-free weekend in 2024 runs August 2–4, and applies only to purchases made in physical stores, not online.
- Clothing and footwear under $100 per item are tax-free, along with school supplies under $100 per item, but items over those thresholds are taxed normally.
- You still pay local sales taxes in most South Carolina counties; the exemption covers only the state portion of the sales tax.
- Items like sports equipment, computers, and electronics are not covered, even if they are used for school.
What Items Are Tax-Free
Clothing and footwear are tax-free if each item costs less than $100. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, shoes, and belts. A pair of shoes priced at $89 is tax-free; a pair at $105 is taxed at the full rate. If you buy a $150 coat, you pay tax on the entire purchase.
School supplies under $100 per item are also tax-free. This covers items like notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, folders, binders, calculators, and backpacks. A $45 backpack qualifies; a $120 one does not. The $100 limit applies to each individual item, not to your total purchase.
Items that do not may have access to include sports equipment (cleats, gloves, uniforms), computers and tablets, electronics, books, and furniture. School uniforms do count as clothing if they meet the $100-per-item rule. Accessories like hats and scarves may have access to as clothing.
How the Tax Savings Work
South Carolina's state sales tax rate is 6 percent. When you buy a $50 shirt during tax-free weekend, you save $3 in state tax. However, most South Carolina counties add a local sales tax on top of the state rate, typically ranging from 1 to 2.5 percent depending on the county. You still owe that local tax.
For example, if you live in a county with a 2 percent local tax, a $50 shirt normally costs $54 (6 percent state plus 2 percent local). During tax-free weekend, it costs $51 (only the 2 percent local tax). Your savings is $3, not $4.
A few South Carolina counties have no additional local tax, so residents there save the full 6 percent. Check your county's tax rate to know exactly what you will save.
Where the $100 Limit Applies
The $100 threshold is per item, not per transaction. If you buy five $20 shirts, all five are tax-free because each one is under $100. If you buy one $150 coat, the entire coat is taxed because that single item exceeds $100.
The limit applies to the price before tax. A $99 pair of shoes is tax-free; a $100.50 pair is not. When you are shopping, check the price tag, not the receipt total.
This rule exists for both clothing and school supplies. A $75 backpack and a $60 notebook are both tax-free. A $120 backpack and a $110 notebook are both taxed in full.
Items That Look Like They Should may have access to But Don't
Sports equipment and athletic gear are not covered, even if your child needs them for school. This includes baseball gloves, soccer cleats, uniforms, shin guards, and athletic shoes worn for sports. Regular shoes worn for everyday use do may have access to as footwear.
Computers, tablets, and electronics are not tax-free, even if they are used for schoolwork. A $400 laptop does not may have access to. A $30 calculator does not may have access to either, even though it is a school supply — only non-electronic school supplies are covered.
Books are not tax-free during this weekend. Textbooks, workbooks, and reading books all remain taxed. Furniture like desks and chairs is also taxed, even if it is for a student's room.
Shopping Tips for Tax-Free Weekend
Shop in person, not online. Even if you order from a South Carolina store's website and pick it up in the store during tax-free weekend, the purchase does not may have access to. You must complete the transaction in the physical store during the three-day window.
Bring a list of what you need and check prices before you go. Because the $100 limit is per item, knowing the price helps you decide whether to buy now or wait. If a coat is $105, you will pay tax on it whether you buy it during tax-free weekend or any other time.
Keep your receipt. If you are unsure whether an item should have been taxed, the receipt shows what was charged. Most stores train their staff on the rules, but mistakes happen, and a receipt makes it straightforward to return and ask for a correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a student to shop during tax-free weekend?
No. Anyone can shop during tax-free weekend and receive the tax exemption on may have access to items. You do not need to show proof of enrollment or provide any documentation. The exemption applies to all purchases of may be able to access clothing, footwear, and school supplies, regardless of who is buying them.
What if I buy something online and have it shipped to my house during tax-free weekend?
Online purchases do not may have access to for the exemption, even if the item arrives during tax-free weekend or you place the order during those three days. The purchase must be completed in a physical store. This applies to all online retailers, including South Carolina-based ones.
Can I return something I bought before tax-free weekend and buy it again during the weekend to save tax?
Technically yes, but most stores will not process this as a separate transaction. If you return an item and when ready repurchase it, the store may treat it as a single transaction and explore the original tax rate. Ask the store's customer service desk about their policy before you attempt this.
Are school uniforms covered?
Yes, school uniforms are treated as clothing and are tax-free if each uniform item costs less than $100. A $60 uniform shirt or $75 uniform pants qualifies. A $120 uniform jacket does not.
What if my county has no local sales tax?
You save the full 6 percent state sales tax on may have access to items. A $50 shirt costs $50 instead of $53. Check your county's tax rate on the South Carolina Department of Revenue website to confirm whether your area has local tax.