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Virginia’s much-anticipated annual sales tax holiday begins Friday, August 1, providing residents an opportunity to purchase qualifying items free from the state’s 5.3% sales tax. The tax-free period extends through Sunday, August 3, ending at 11:59 p.m., and applies to purchases made in-store, online, by mail, or phone.
What’s Included in the Tax Holiday?
During this three-day window, consumers can buy school supplies, clothing, shoes, emergency preparedness products, and energy-saving appliances without paying Virginia’s sales tax—subject to specific price caps.
School Supplies:
Items priced at $20 or less qualify for the exemption. According to the Virginia Department of Taxation, qualifying school supplies are those commonly used by students in their coursework. Eligible products include:
- Binders, chalk, book bags
- Calculators, tape, compasses
- Composition books, crayons, erasers
- Folders, glue, highlighters
- Index cards, lunch boxes, notebooks
- Paper, pencils, pens, rulers, scissors
Clothing and Shoes:
Clothing and shoes priced at $100 or less are exempt. This excludes sporting equipment, athletic footwear, and clothing accessories.
Emergency Preparedness Products:
The sales tax holiday also covers essential hurricane and emergency preparedness items with specified price limits, such as:
- Portable generators priced up to $1,000
- Gas-powered chainsaws at $350 or less
- Chainsaw accessories and other preparedness items priced at $60 or below
Energy-Efficient Products:
Energy-saving appliances certified under Energy Star and WaterSense programs for home or personal use are also included in the tax exemption.
Economic and Practical Implications
This sales tax holiday encourages Virginians to prepare for the upcoming school year and potential emergency situations, while also promoting energy-efficient purchases. For retailers, it often results in a notable sales boost, particularly in the back-to-school season.
Tax professionals and financial planners should advise clients and businesses on the scope of eligible items to maximize savings and ensure compliance during this period.
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