Does South Carolina have a tax-free weekend?
Quick answer
Yes. South Carolina runs a sales tax holiday: Back-to-school holiday on the first weekend of August, no price cap. Qualifying purchases skip the full combined rate, which runs 9% in covered South Carolina metros.
Holiday dates and qualifying item lists are set by statute and can change year to year. South Carolina Department of Revenue publishes the official list before each holiday, including per-item price caps and whether local jurisdictions must participate.
Rule summary
How South Carolina treats each category.
| Recurring holiday | Back-to-school holiday on the first weekend of August, no price cap. |
|---|---|
| Normal combined rate | 9% |
| Clothing exemption | None |
| Grocery exemption | Year-round |
This page summarizes the general rule. Every state writes exceptions for specific products, and local jurisdictions can differ from the state treatment. Confirm your situation with the South Carolina Department of Revenue or a tax professional before relying on it for filing.
Combined rates in South Carolina
What a taxable purchase actually costs in South Carolina.
Frequently asked
Answers pulled from the same rule set.
- Does South Carolina have a tax-free weekend?
- Yes — South Carolina runs a sales tax holiday: Back-to-school holiday on the first weekend of August, no price cap.
- Do local taxes still apply during a South Carolina sales tax holiday?
- It depends on the statute. Some states require every local jurisdiction to participate; others let cities opt out and keep charging their local share. South Carolina Department of Revenue publishes the participating jurisdictions each year.
More South Carolina guides
Other South Carolina rules that change the total.