South Carolina began offering an August tax holiday in 2000. Learn about South Carolina’s annual 3-day sales tax holiday, when the savings are offered, and find a list of common items that will be tax free on those dates. Links for money-saving tips and other state tax holidays are also provided.
When is the 2010 South Carolina Sales Tax Holiday?
South Carolina’s 3-day annual sales tax holiday will start at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 6 and end at midnight on Sunday, August 8, 2010. During those dates, South Carolina retailers will not charge the normal 6% state sales tax or use tax on qualifying clothing, clothing accessories, computers and computer-related supplies, school supplies, and other listed household supplies.
What Items are Tax-free During the South Carolina Sales Tax Holiday?
Unlike many other states that offer a sales tax holiday, South Carolina does not list price limits on their exempt items. South Carolina will offer exemptions from sales tax on certain:
- Clothing and footwear
- School supplies
- Computers
- Household items
Rules apply to all tax-exempt items purchased during the tax free days in SC, including:
- Items must be purchased and not rented.
- Items should be purchased for home and not for business or trade.
- Items cannot be purchased through a deferred payment and delivery plan or through a layaway plan
Examples of clothing, footwear, and accessories that qualify for the SC sales tax holiday include:
- Aerobic clothing
- Bathing suits and bathing trunks
- Boots
- Bridal gowns and veils
- Coats and jackets
- Costumes
- Diapers
- Dresses
- Gloves and mittens
- Hair accessories
- Handbags and pocketbooks
- Hosiery
- Pajamas and night clothing
- Pants, jeans, and shorts
- Shirts and blouses
- Shoes, sandals, and socks
- Tuxedos
- Underwear
Clothing-related accessories such as jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear, sporting equipment and protective equipment, sunglasses, watches, and wallets will not be tax-exempt.
School supplies that meet criteria for South Carolina’s tax holiday should be for school use and include:
- Backpacks, bookbags, and lunch boxes
- Calculators
- Daily organizers or planners
- Musical instruments
- Paper, binders, and notebooks
- Pens and pencils
Computers and computer-related items that will be tax free in South Carolina include:
- Computers – must include a CPU to be tax-exempt
- Personal digital assistants - PDAs (excluding cell phones)
- Printers
- Printer supplies, including ink cartridges
- Service contracts (hardware and/or software) when bundled with a computer
- Software
Electronic items such as cell phones, smartphones, digital cameras, digital music players and music, etc. are not tax-exempt.
Other household items that will be exempt from tax during South Carolina’s tax holiday include:
- Bed spreads, blankets, and comforter sets
- Pillows and pillow cases
- Sheet sets and bed linens
- Shower curtains, bath rugs, and bath mats (hooks, rings, and rods are not exempt)
- Wash clothes, bath towels, and beach towels
Other household items such as window treatments, refrigerators, toiletries, bicycles, and food is not tax-exempt.
The South Carolina Department of Revenue provides a detailed list of exempt and taxable items, frequently asked questions and answers, sample statements verifying that an item is a school-related item (optional), and other information related to the tax-free holiday.
Save Money During South Carolina Tax-free Days in August
South Carolina’s sales tax holiday offers shoppers a relief from paying sales tax August 6 through 8, 2010 on qualifying clothing and accessories, school supplies, computers and computer-related supplies, and other household items. People who are preparing to go back to school in particular may enjoy extra savings with these tax free days in South Carolina.
Readers may find helpful money-saving tips for:
- How to get the best deals during and before a sales tax holiday
- Quick and easy tips for smart grocery shopping
- Free school fundraisers
- Hunting Island State Park Offers SC Beach Vacation for Less
Those interested in learning about 2010 sales tax holidays in other states may find these links to be helpful:
- Alabama Sales Tax Holiday
- Florida Sales Tax Holiday
- Illinois Sales Tax Holiday
- Iowa Sales Tax Holiday
- Maryland Sales Tax Holiday
- North Carolina Sales Tax Holiday
- Tennessee Sales Tax Holiday
- Virginia Sales Tax Holiday
This article is for informational purposes only and does not list all exceptions and items included in the sales tax holiday.
Source:
South Carolina Department of Revenue web site accessed on July 29, 2010
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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