South Carolina's back-to-school sales tax-free weekend is here

SOUTH CAROLINA — South Carolina's annual sales tax holiday weekend is here.

More than a dozen states are offering tax-free shopping days this summer, temporarily dropping the state sales tax on back-to-school necessities and other items, from clothing to electronics.

From Friday until Sunday, shoppers won't have to pay the 6 percent state sales tax on school supplies, computers, most clothing and book bags.

The exact list of items that are included in the holiday and the ones that aren't is complex and can be found on the Department of Revenue's website.

The agency says shoppers save at least $2 million in sales tax in an average year.

South Carolina has held a sales tax holiday during the first weekend in August since 2000.

Rules and restrictions vary by state, but these tax holidays are popular with parents who have big summer shopping lists.

South Carolina’s sales tax-free weekend is August 4-6.

[MORE: SC tax-free weekend]

Things like clothing, school supplies and computers will all be exempt from the state's 6 percent sales tax.

Non-school related items, such as jewelry or cosmetics, will not be exempt.

[PDF: Tax-free shopping list]

North Carolina repealed its tax-free weekend in 2013.

Gov. Pat McCrory signed the legislation that also reduced corporate and personal income taxes.

As a result, the state held no tax-free events during 2014, 2015 and 2016.

[MORE: Find out what other states are participating]

Businesses and shoppers were not happy about the repeal.

A bill calling for its return was introduced in April 2016 but it did not pass.

Cox Media Group