Shoppers looking for school supplies or emergency preparedness items might want to hit the stores this weekend.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin urges residents to take advantage of a three-day sales tax holiday that kicks off Friday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
“As Virginians continue to face inflation and high prices, Virginians will receive some needed tax relief this weekend, ” he said in a statement. “This sales tax holiday is an important measure to help Virginians keep more of their hard-earned money when purchasing essential school supplies, hurricane preparedness items, and clothing.”
Virginia has offered the annual sales tax break for more than a decade, but it typically takes place in the summer. However, the legislation creating the holiday expired July 1 and was not immediately renewed due to hold-ups with the state’s budget negotiations. The holiday was reinstated after the General Assembly reached a consensus on a series of budget amendments last month.
Some local business owners have said the absence of a sales holiday this summer was a hit for businesses and families.
Virginia sales tax is 5.3%, though Hampton Roads localities collect their own cut, bringing the tax rate up to 6% in the seven cities and 7% in York County, James City County and Williamsburg.
Items eligible for the deal include school supplies that cost $20 or less per item, as well as clothing and footwear that cost $100 or less per item.
Eligible emergency preparedness products include items such as portable generators and gas-powered chainsaws. The Atlantic hurricane season stems from June 1 through Nov. 30.
Some Energy Star or WaterSense products that cost $2,500 or less are also eligible if purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
Virginians can buy the items in stores, online or by mail order. A full list of eligible items can be found online at www.tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday.
Katie King, katie.king@virginiamedia.com
