Virginia’s annual three-day sales tax holiday returns this weekend. From Friday until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, shoppers can buy qualifying school supplies, clothes, shoes and emergency preparedness products without paying a sales tax.
In the Hampton Roads region, combined state and local sales taxes add up to 6% to 7%.
Virginia has offered the sales tax holiday for more than a decade, usually in early August to coincide with the back-to-school season. Last year the holiday was delayed until October because of problems during budget negotiations.
Eligible tax-free items 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 portable generators for $1,000 or less and gas-powered chainsaws for $350 or less. Some Energy Star and WaterSense products for home or personal use are also eligible.
Sports gear, protective equipment and accessories are not eligible. A full list of eligible items can be found online at tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday.
Nour Habib, nour.habib@virginiamedia.com
