News Summary
Shoppers can save significantly during the Tax-Free Weekend with numerous items exempt from the 6% sales tax.
Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina’s annual Tax-Free Weekend commenced at 12:01 a.m. on August 1, 2025, and is set to continue through August 3, 2025. This 72-hour shopping event allows consumers to make a wide range of purchases without incurring the state’s 6% sales tax, along with any applicable local taxes, providing significant savings for back-to-school shoppers.
During this event, an array of items is exempt from tax, including clothing, accessories, footwear, school supplies, computers, software, printers, and various bed and bath supplies, such as bedspreads, sheets, pillows, towels, and shower curtains. Musical instruments and school-related books are also included on the tax-free list. Common school supplies eligible for tax exemption consist of pens, pencils, paper, binders, notebooks, backpacks, lunchboxes, and calculators.
However, there are exclusions from these tax exemptions. Items not qualifying include those used for trade or business, items placed on layaway, clothing and footwear rentals, cosmetics, eyewear, furniture, jewelry, refrigerators, toiletries for college students, cell phones, digital cameras, and video game consoles. Online sales of eligible items are included in the tax-free initiative, allowing consumers to shop conveniently from home.
Last year, the Tax-Free Weekend saw shoppers purchasing over $22.3 million in tax-free items, which resulted in savings exceeding $1.3 million in taxes. This annual shopping event has established itself as an essential time for families preparing for the new academic year, particularly as many students are returning to school, with one-quarter of South Carolina’s 72 public school districts already back in class before the holiday.
Sales Tax Landscape
In South Carolina, tax rates for localities differ significantly. For example, areas like Charleston County and Myrtle Beach maintain the highest total sales tax rate of 9%, while only three of the state’s 46 counties – Beaufort, Greenville, and Oconee – apply the state’s 6% tax rate. The variation in local tax rates underscores the potential savings consumers can experience during the Tax-Free Weekend.
Tax-Free Weekend History
The legislation establishing the Tax-Free Weekend was enacted in 2000, aimed primarily at assisting parents and guardians in purchasing necessary items for their children as they head back to school. Over the years, the event has proven to be beneficial not only for families looking to save but also for retailers who see a spike in sales during these key shopping days.
Community Participation
The Tax-Free Weekend routinely garners enthusiastic participation from consumers throughout South Carolina, all eager to take advantage of the savings on essential back-to-school products. Retailers across the state prepare for this seasonal shopping surge, showcasing deals and promotions specifically aligned with the shopping holiday.
As the Tax-Free Weekend unfolds this year, families are encouraged to plan their shopping thoughtfully to maximize their savings while preparing for the upcoming school year. With a broad selection of eligible items, this weekend offers an excellent opportunity for cost-conscious shoppers to secure the necessary tools for academic success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina Announces Tax-Free Weekend for Back-to-School Shopping
Back-to-School Events in Upstate South Carolina
South Carolina Announces Tax-Free Weekend for Back-to-School Shopping
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Tax-Free Shopping in South Carolina
- Spectrum Local News: South Carolina Tax-Free Weekend
- Kidding Around Greenville: Tax-Free Weekend
- Your Island News: Sales Tax Holiday
- Fox Carolina: FAQs on SC Tax-Free Weekend
- Wikipedia: Sales Tax
- Google Search: Tax-Free Weekend South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Tax-Free Weekend
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sales Tax
- Google News: Tax-Free Weekend South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
