Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
South Carolina shoppers will enjoy a welcome break this weekend as the state’s annual Sales Tax Holiday returns from Friday, August 1, through Sunday, August 3, 2025.
The three-day event, first approved by state lawmakers in 2000 and supported by the South Carolina Retail Association (SCRA), allows families to save on essential back-to-school purchases. This popular tax-free weekend is expected to drive significant retail activity across the state as families prepare students of all ages for the new school year.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics, families are projected to spend record amounts in 2025. Households with K-12 students are expected to spend nearly $700 per child, while those with college students may spend close to $1,000 per student.
Qualifying purchases during the Sales Tax Holiday include items such as clothing, shoes, school supplies, backpacks, computers, and dorm room essentials — all exempt from the state’s 6% sales tax and any applicable local taxes.
Many retailers across the state also plan to offer special promotions and in-store discounts, further boosting savings for consumers. Stores located near South Carolina’s borders may see even more foot traffic, as out-of- state shoppers travel from North Carolina and Georgia to take advantage of the tax-free weekend.
“The Sales Tax Holiday is a win for everyone — shoppers, retailers, and our state’s economy,” said Krista Hinson, executive director of the South Carolina Retail Association. “For our retailers, this weekend is second only to Black Friday in terms of sales volume. It’s a great opportunity for South Carolina families to save on the items they need while giving local businesses a strong boost heading into the fall.”
The Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 1, and ends at midnight on Sunday, August 3, 2025. The South Carolina Department of Revenue has provided additional details for shoppers and retailers on its website at dor.sc.gov/tax-freeweekend.
For more information about the South Carolina Retail Association, visit www.scretail.org.
ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA RETAIL ASSOCIATION – scretail.org
SCRA represents merchants in every county across South Carolina — from large chains to small independents — spanning a wide range of sectors including apparel, automotive, convenience, electronics, grocery, hardware, department stores, boutiques, restaurants, and pharmacies.
