State sales tax holiday this weekend
8/2/2019, 6 a.m.
With the new school year on the horizon and hurricane season already here, consumers in Richmond and across the state will automatically save 5.3 percent on back-to-school and hurricane supplies this weekend.
The reason: Virginia’s sales tax holiday is back.
From Friday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 4, items including notebooks, textbooks, pens, pencils, paper, clothing, sneakers, flashlights, batteries, disinfecting wipes and first aid kits can be purchased without the added state sales tax, provided each item falls within certain price guidelines.
Energy efficient stoves, refrigerators and other appliances also are part of the tax-free weekend.
The tax holiday is meant to spur greater spending in retail stores and shops, take some of the financial burden off of lower-income residents and ensure school and emergency preparedness, according to state officials.
Items don’t need to be purchased solely for school use or emergencies to be eligible.
Seeking to boost sales, many retailers drop the state sales tax on all purchases of nonfood items, giving customers an across- the-board discount.
The tax holiday does not apply to food sales or the meals tax on prepared foods.
Qualifying items include school supplies that are $20 or less per item and clothing and footwear that is $100 or less per item.
Details, including a list of qualifying items: www.tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday.
