by 
By Mark A. Leon
South Carolina shoppers will once again have the opportunity to save during the state’s annual Tax Free Weekend, taking place Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9, 2026. During the 72-hour event, shoppers can purchase a wide variety of back-to-school and everyday essentials without paying the state’s 6% sales tax or any applicable local sales taxes on qualifying items.
Eligible purchases generally include clothing and footwear, school supplies, backpacks, computers, printers, software, calculators, and certain bed and bath items. The tax exemption applies whether purchases are made in stores or online, provided the items qualify and are intended for personal use.
The annual tax holiday is one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, helping families prepare for the new school year while stretching their budgets. South Carolina is one of a select number of states that continues to offer a statewide sales tax holiday, making it an ideal time to purchase larger-ticket items such as laptops and other school essentials.
Shoppers should note that not every item qualifies for the exemption. Items purchased for business use, as well as certain non-qualifying products, remain subject to sales tax. The South Carolina Department of Revenue provides a complete list of exempt and non-exempt items before the event.
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