Virginia’s highly anticipated annual sales tax holiday is just around the corner! This year, from August 2nd to August 4th, you can enjoy tax-free shopping on a variety of items. Reinstated by the Virginia General Assembly in 2023, this three-day event offers significant savings just in time for the new school year.
What’s Included in the Tax-Free Weekend?
This year’s tax-exempt items cover several essential categories, each with specific price limits:
- School Supplies and Office Essentials:
- Eligibility: Items priced at $20 or less.
- Examples: Binders, art supplies, book bags, calculators, dictionaries, hand sanitizer, lunch boxes, paper, and rulers.
- Note: Computers are not included under school supplies for this event.
- Clothing and Footwear:
- Eligibility: Items priced at $100 or less.
- Examples: Athletic wear, baby clothes, swimsuits, belts, coats, costumes, diapers, dresses, gloves, hats, pants, shirts, shoes, nightwear, and socks.
- Exclusions: Accessories such as cosmetics, hair clips, handbags, jewelry, sunglasses, and umbrellas. Protective gear and sports equipment, like breathing masks, helmets, ballet shoes, and roller skates, are also excluded.
- Hurricane Preparedness Items:
- Eligibility: Specific items with varying price caps.
- Examples:
- Portable generators: $1,000 or less.
- Gas-powered chainsaws: $350 or less.
- Chainsaw accessories: $60 or less.
- General preparedness items: $60 or less.
- Energy Star and WaterSense Products:
- Eligibility: Items priced at $2,500 or less.
- Examples: Air conditioners, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, washing machines, dishwashers, light bulbs, refrigerators, and faucets.
- Condition: Must be for non-commercial, home or personal use and bear the Energy Star or WaterSense label.
Can You Shop Online?
Absolutely! Online purchases, mail orders, and telephone orders are eligible for the tax break, provided the items are paid for or delivered within the tax-exempt period. Even if the delivery occurs after the exemption period, as long as the order is accepted for immediate shipment during the holiday, you’ll still benefit from the savings. Custom-made items for future delivery and rentals, however, do not qualify.
Shipping costs are excluded from the base price calculation. For instance, a dress costing $95 with a $10 shipping fee remains tax-exempt because the item’s base price is under $100.
Where to Find More Information
For detailed information on the tax holiday, including a comprehensive list of eligible items and conditions, visit the Virginia Department of Taxation’s website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save on essentials and prepare for the school year and beyond!
