News Summary
South Carolina’s upcoming Tax-Free Weekend provides families an opportunity to purchase school supplies, clothing, and electronics without incurring sales tax. This initiative aims to ease financial burdens as students prepare for the academic year. Meanwhile, local universities like USCB and Georgia Southern celebrate student achievements, recognizing those who excel academically. As tax relief measures draw attention in South Carolina, neighboring states like North Carolina miss out on similar benefits, leading many to shop across state lines for savings. The South Carolina State Fair is also gearing up for its competitive exhibits this fall.
Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina’s annual Tax-Free Weekend will take place from August 1 to August 3, 2025, providing an opportunity for families to purchase essential items for the upcoming school year without incurring the state’s 6% sales tax and any applicable local taxes. This tax relief is aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and students as they prepare for the new academic year.
During the Tax-Free Weekend, eligible items for tax exemption include school supplies, computers, clothes, shoes, and various other school-year essentials. Shoppers can easily access detailed information, including a complete list of qualifying items, on the South Carolina Department of Revenue’s Tax-Free Weekend webpage.
In addition to the tax-free promotions, local academic institutions are also celebrating student achievements. The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) has recognized students for their academic excellence in the Spring 2025 semester. Notably, local students such as Emma Brant and Heather Francis from Varnville have made the USCB President’s List, which honors those with superb academic performance. The Chancellor’s List at USCB also acknowledges undergraduate students for their academic achievements.
USCB is growing rapidly within the University of South Carolina System, now offering 20 baccalaureate degrees across its three campuses in Bluffton, Beaufort, and Hilton Head Island.
Similarly, Georgia Southern University recognized around 2,420 students for the Spring 2025 President’s List, including local students Adrieanna Crittington from Brunson and Janely Lopez from Varnville. Additionally, the Dean’s List at Georgia Southern University acknowledges those with a GPA of at least 3.5, with approximately 3,800 students qualifying for this honor.
While shoppers in South Carolina prepare to take advantage of the tax-free weekend, residents of North Carolina have been unable to participate in a sales tax holiday since 2013. They can, however, shop in South Carolina or Virginia, which also holds its own sales tax holiday in August with similar regulations. Virginia permits tax exemptions on school supplies priced under $20 and clothing or footwear under $100, allowing shoppers to save between 5.3% and 7% during their sales tax holiday.
Despite multiple attempts by North Carolina lawmakers to reinstate the sales tax holiday since its elimination under a tax cut law signed by former Governor Pat McCrory, no successful measures have been enacted to date. This has prompted many families to seek savings across state lines.
In addition to shopping preparations for the school year, the South Carolina State Fair is currently accepting competitive exhibit entries until September 1 for its event scheduled from October 8-19, 2025. There are 16 categories available for competitive exhibits, including agriculture, fine art, and flowers, with over $300,000 in premiums awarded for outstanding entries.
This year’s fair theme, “Harvesting Happiness,” is a celebration of the state’s community and agricultural traditions, promising an engaging experience for all who attend. As the summer draws to a close, both shoppers and fairgoers look forward to activities that support local businesses and highlight the talents within the community.
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- Count on 2 News
- Wikipedia: Tax-free weekend
- Greenville Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sales tax
- WSAV News
- Google News: South Carolina Tax-Free Weekend
- Charlotte Observer
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
