By Patrick Phillips | August 4, 2020 at 8:14 AM EDT - Updated August 4 at 8:14 AM

Tax-free items include:

Art supplies for schools
Athletic uniforms
Backpacks
Bedding
Blankets
Bookbags
Calculators
Clothing
Coats and jackets
Computers
Computer parts and accessories when sold as a package with a computer
Diapers
Earbuds and headphones
Flash drives
Gloves and mittens
Headphones and earbuds
Lunch boxes
Musical instruments for school
Pillows
Printers and printer supplies (including replaceable ink cartridges)
Purses and handbags
School supplies
Shoes and footwear
Sleepwear
Socks and underwear
Towels
Uniforms (band, scouts, school and sports)

Items that are not tax-free during the Sales Tax Holiday include:

Backpacks (not used for school)
Bathroom accessories
Briefcases, change purses and wallets
Cameras
Cell phones and smartphones
Cleaning supplies
Computers used in a business
Cookware
Cosmetics
eReaders
Furniture
Glasses and contacts
Hardware and tools
Jewelry
Mattresses and box springs
Music and video players
Office supplies
Paper products (tissues, paper towels)
Protective and safety masks and goggles
Replacement parts
Safety equipment
Sports equipment (baseball mitts, helmets, life jackets and vests, mouthguards, pads, etc.)
Stereo equipment
Toilet paper
Video game consoles
Watches and bands

Online purchases of eligible items are tax-free, too, according to SCDOR. The agency says shoppers should also check with their retailers for online shopping, delivery or pick-up options. Shoppers who shop in stores should practice social distancing, wear face coverings and follow other guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs encourages 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 tokeep 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 website for ageneral list of itemsthat 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 can call SCDCA toll-free in SC at 1-800-922-1594.

Copyright 2020 WCSC. All rights reserved.

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