Virginia's Tax-Free Weekend: Everything You Need to Know for 2024

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Virginia's tax-free weekend is a much-anticipated event for many residents, offering the perfect opportunity to save on essential items. This annual sales tax holiday, reinstated in 2023, allows shoppers to purchase various products without paying the state's usual sales tax, making it an ideal time to stock up on school supplies, clothing, and more.

When and Where

For 2024, Virginia’s tax-free weekend runs from August 2nd to August 4th. The event begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and concludes at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. The tax-free status applies to purchases made both in-store and online, allowing for greater flexibility in how shoppers can take advantage of the savings​​​​.

What’s Included

The tax-free weekend covers several categories, each with specific price limits:

1. School Supplies and Office Essentials:
2. • Eligibility: Items priced at $20 or less.
   • Examples: Binders, notebooks, book bags, calculators, dictionaries, and lunch boxes.
   • Exclusions: Computers and electronic devices do not qualify under this category​​​​.
3. Clothing and Footwear:
4. • Eligibility: Items priced at $100 or less.
   • Examples: Jeans, shirts, shoes, dresses, diapers, and coats.
   • Exclusions: Accessories like jewelry, handbags, and cosmetics, as well as protective sports gear such as helmets​​​​.
5. Hurricane Preparedness Items:
6. • Eligibility: Specific items with varying price caps.
   • Examples: Portable generators ($1,000 or less), gas-powered chainsaws ($350 or less), and general preparedness items ($60 or less)​​.
7. Energy Star and WaterSense Products:
8. • Eligibility: Items priced at $2,500 or less.
   • Examples: Air conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other energy-efficient appliances.
   • Condition: Items must bear the Energy Star or WaterSense label and be intended for non-commercial use​​​​.

Online Shopping

Online shoppers can also benefit from the tax-free weekend. Purchases made online, by phone, or by mail order are eligible, provided the item is ordered and paid for within the holiday period. If an item is custom-made and scheduled for future delivery, it does not qualify for tax exemption​​​​.

Other Considerations

While the Virginia sales tax is typically around 5.3%, with some localities adding up to 0.7%, during this weekend, eligible items will not incur this tax, allowing for significant savings. It’s important to remember that the base price of the item determines eligibility, and shipping costs do not affect the tax-free status​​.

Preparing for the Weekend

To make the most of the tax-free weekend, shoppers should:

• Plan Ahead: Make a list of necessary items and prioritize purchases based on the eligibility criteria.
• Compare Prices: Look for the best deals across different retailers, both online and offline.
• Check Eligibility: Ensure that the items fall within the specified price range and categories to avoid surprises at checkout.

The Virginia Department of Taxation provides a complete list of eligible items and conditions on their website, which can be a valuable resource for shoppers​​.

Conclusion

Virginia's tax-free weekend offers an excellent opportunity for consumers to save on a wide range of products. By understanding the eligibility requirements and planning accordingly, shoppers can maximize their savings and enjoy a more affordable shopping experience.

Sources:

• Virginia Tax-Free Weekend Guide - Virginia Department of Taxation​​
• What You Need to Know for Virginia’s 2024 Tax-Free Weekend - 97.3 Eagle​​
• Virginia Tax-Free Weekend: Kiplinger Overview​​