News Summary
South Carolina’s Tax-Free Weekend is set for August 1-3, helping families save on school supplies and essentials.
Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina is set to hold its annual Tax-Free Weekend from August 1 at 12:01 a.m. to August 3 at midnight, offering shoppers the chance to purchase essential items without incurring the state’s 6% sales tax and any applicable local taxes. This initiative aims to assist parents in preparing for the upcoming school year by reducing the financial burden associated with purchasing school supplies and other items.
The Tax-Free Weekend, first implemented in 2000, has become a staple for residents planning their back-to-school shopping. In the previous year, South Carolinians took advantage of the tax exemption, spending about $22.3 million on eligible items and saving over $1.3 million in sales taxes.
During the Tax-Free Weekend, numerous items will be exempt from the sales tax, including:
- Musical instruments
- Calculators
- Headphones
- Printers
- Computers
- Computer software
- All types of clothing
- Specific bed and bath items, such as bed spreads, sheets, pillows, towels, and shower curtains
However, consumers should note that some items will still be subject to the standard sales tax. These taxable items include:
- Cellphones
- Digital cameras
- Video game consoles
In South Carolina, only three out of the state’s 46 counties—Beaufort, Greenville, and Oconee—enforce a 6% sales tax. Other counties may have varying local tax rates, contributing to differences in overall tax costs. Notably, Charleston County and Myrtle Beach impose the highest total sales tax at 9%.
The Tax-Free Weekend applies to both in-store and online purchases, making it convenient for consumers to shop for back-to-school necessities from the comfort of their homes. Parents and students can plan ahead to maximize their savings during this period.
Approximately 25% of South Carolina’s 72 public school districts will already be back in session before the Tax-Free Weekend kicks off, piloting an early start to the academic year. This timing allows families to benefit from the tax exemption shortly after resuming classes.
The purpose of the Tax-Free Weekend extends beyond financial savings; it also encourages family and community engagement by promoting shopping and supporting local businesses. This year, as families prepare for a new school year, they can look forward to additional savings during this popular shopping event.
Shoppers are encouraged to check local store policies and flyer advertisements for further information regarding the sale, as well as specific items included in the tax exemption list. As the Tax-Free Weekend approaches, it will undoubtedly draw considerable interest and participation from families across the state.
In summary, South Carolina’s Tax-Free Weekend from August 1-3 provides a significant opportunity for parents and students to save on necessary items as they gear up for the school year. With a wide range of exempt items and increasing participation from local businesses, it stands as a valuable event for the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Back-to-School Events in Upstate South Carolina
South Carolina Announces Tax-Free Weekend for Back-to-School Shopping
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: SC Tax-Free Weekend 2025
- Wikipedia: Tax holiday
- Spectrum Local News: South Carolina Tax-Free Weekend
- Google Search: South Carolina Tax-Free Weekend
- SC Daily Gazette: SC Shoppers Can Save
- Google Scholar: Tax Free Weekend South Carolina
- Your Island News: Sales Tax Holiday
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sales tax
- Fox Carolina: FAQs SC Tax-Free Weekend
- Google News: Sales Tax Holiday 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.
