Save on taxes and shop safely during South Carolina's Sales Tax Holiday
South Carolina’s 2020 Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend. Beginning at midnight on Friday, August 7 and continuing through Sunday, August 9, a variety of school year essentials are exempt from State and Local Sales Tax online and at retailers statewide.
What’s exempt during the Sales Tax Holiday? Check out these lists of common tax-free items:
Want to learn more about the Sales Tax Holiday?
● Check out the DOR Sales Tax Holiday webpage >
● RSVP to DOR’s official Facebook event page to share deals and ask questions about the Holiday >
● Join the conversation by using #SCtaxfree >
Please see Revenue Ruling #19-4 for more information on exempt and nonexempt items.
Whether you are buying back-to-school items for virtual or in-person school attendance, take advantage of tax-free weekend this weekend, August 7-9, 2020. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is encouraging consumers to navigate this shopping weekend with a thoughtful plan involving the following tips:
Be on-guard as you shop online. Because of Coronavirus, you may be looking to do your back-to-school shopping online. SCDCA has compiled five ways to keep your information safe while browsing and buying online.
Check mask ordinances, guidelines and store offerings before heading out. If you choose to shop in-store, double check for mask ordinances in the city/county the store is located so you can be prepared. Many stores offer delivery or curbside pick-up to simplify your shopping trip. Make sure to read the terms and conditions to find out if there are any fees associated with these extra services.
Decide your payment method. When shopping in a store, pay with cash if you have trouble sticking to a budget. If you prefer shopping online, a credit card offers more consumer fraud protections than a debit card.
Make a list and stick to it. Review the Department of Revenue’s (SCDOR) website for a general list of items that are tax exempt as well as ones that are not. A list will help save time and avoid impulse buying and overspending.
Know the return policy. Review return and exchange policies online so you know before you go. Don’t see it in store? Ask, especially if you are purchasing items that often have a restocking fee, like computers.
Review financial statements. Security breaches often happen during heavily trafficked shopping times. Read your financial statements during the tax-free weekend and beyond, ensuring there are no errors or fraudulent charges. If there are, dispute them immediately.
Consumers with questions about the tax-free weekend should visit the SCDOR website dedicated to the sales tax holiday. For more consumer tips, or to get assistance if you find suspicious charges or errors on your accounts, visit www.consumer.sc.gov or call SCDCA toll-free in SC at 1 (800) 922-1594.