Tax free weekend returns to South Carolina Friday
August 5, 2026
South Carolina shoppers will catch a break at the register this weekend as the state’s annual tax free weekend returns Friday.
The 72-hour sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 9. During that window, eligible purchases are exempt from the state’s 6% sales tax and from any local sales taxes, according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
The timing is aimed squarely at back-to-school season, but the exemption is not limited to students or families. Anyone buying an eligible item during the three days pays no sales tax on it, and there is no price cap. Items can be new or used.
What qualifies
The Department of Revenue sorts eligible purchases into four broad categories:
Clothing, accessories and footwear, including everyday items such as shirts, dresses, coats, hats and shoes.
School supplies used in the classroom or for school assignments, including pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, binders, backpacks, lunchboxes and calculators. Musical instruments and books used for reading assignments or book reports also qualify.
Computers, printers and software. Monitors, keyboards and other accessories are exempt only when purchased as part of a package with a computer, or when they otherwise qualify as a school supply.
Certain bed and bath items, such as sheets, pillows, blankets and towels.
What does not qualify
Cellphones, smartphones, digital cameras and music players are taxable, even when bought alongside a computer. Also excluded are cosmetics, eyewear, jewelry, furniture, clothing and footwear rentals, and anything purchased for use in a trade or business.
College students should note that dorm staples such as mini refrigerators and toiletries are not considered school supplies and remain taxable.
Items placed on layaway are not exempt. A rain check issued before the holiday can be redeemed tax free during the weekend, but a rain check issued during the weekend and redeemed after Aug. 9 will be taxed.
Online purchases count
Shoppers who prefer not to fight the crowds can still save. Eligible items bought online during the weekend are exempt, including purchases from out-of-state retailers and marketplace sellers. As long as an order is placed, paid for and accepted for immediate shipment during the holiday, the exemption holds even if the package arrives the following week. Delivery charges tied to an exempt item are also exempt.
Participation is not optional for merchants. Every retailer selling eligible items is required to take part and cannot collect sales tax on those purchases. Shoppers who are charged tax in error should ask the retailer for a refund and can point the store to Revenue Ruling 19-4, which spells out the rules.
A long-running tradition
The sales tax holiday dates to 2000 and is marking its 26th year. State officials say shoppers bought more than $25 million in tax-free items last year, saving more than $1.5 million in sales tax.
Revenue officials are encouraging residents to shop local this weekend, in stores and online, and to keep the savings circulating in their own communities.
Complete shopping lists, printable guides and answers to common questions are available on the Department of Revenue website at dor.sc.gov/taxfreeweekend.
