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Take advantage of back-to-school savings during the tax-free weekend
In this tough economy, there are some bright spots. And that’s especially true when it comes to back-to-school shopping. First, South Carolina is one of a handful of states that offers a tax-free weekend geared toward helping parents get a break on their back-to-school spending.
Second, Beaufort County middle and elementary schools and Bluffton High School students will be wearing school uniforms this year, which should save parents money on their school clothing budget.
So, how much will you be spending this year on back-to-school shopping?
According to the National Retail Federation’s 2009 Back to School Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey released July 14 and conducted by BIGresearch, the average family with students in grades K-12 is expected to spend $548.72 on school merchandise.Beaufort County has a 1 percent sales tax and the state has a 6 percent sales tax. So, if you spend that $548.72, you can save almost $40 on the taxfree weekend.
Following are some of the items that will be tax free and some that are exempt from the tax-free weekend, which takes place Aug. 7-9. For the full list, visit www.sctax.org/2009SalesTaxHolidayDates.htm.
Tax-free
- Athletic or sport uniforms or clothing (but not equipment)
- Baby diapers, baby clothes, baby shoes
- Bed comforters and bed comforter sets, duvets, covers
- Bed linens, baby bumper pads, canopies, baby crib padding, bed skirts, box spring covers, dust ruffles, mattress pads, mattress toppers, pillow covers and shams (box springs, drapes, mattresses, table cloths and window treatments and curtains are taxable)
- Computers, computer software
- Daily planners or organizers for school
- Pens, pencils, paper, binders, notebooks, books, bookbags, lunch boxes and calculators
- Printers (replacement parts are taxable) and printer supplies
- School and Scout uniforms
- Shoes
Items such as refrigerators, toiletries, bicycles and food purchased by college students are not school supplies and not exempt from the tax.
