Virginia sales tax holiday weekend: what to know before you go

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — Virginia’s three-day event, which allows shoppers to skip sales taxes in three categories, comes as the high cost of essentials continues to burden households and after the state assembly failed to allow the annual holiday to happen before the school year in 2023.

A state budget battle pushed last year’s holiday to October, but consumers can cash in on sales tax exemptions in 2024 before students return to class.

Eligible school supplies for the sales tax exemption include binders, notebooks, pens, pencils and even disinfectant wipes.

The state department of taxation said no one item can be more than $20, and the savings are applied to the total cost at check out.

“Any little bit helps because inflation is outrageous,” said Amber Harding. Harding seeks to use the holiday to skirt sales tax this weekend on online purchases.

Speaking about how she has cut costs recently, Harding said, “Honestly, I go out less. When you step outside, you’re spending money. I’ve become much of a hermit, a little recluse.”

Virginia’s sales tax rate is 5.3% in most areas, but some areas add an additional tax. The rate is 6% in northern Virginia and upwards of 7% in the Williamsburg area.

For example, if shoppers spend $50 for the base price of applicable goods in Northern Virginia, they will avoid paying three dollars this weekend.

The state holiday comes as the National Retail Federation said households plan to spend $875 for back-to-school shopping this year, an increase from 10 years ago of $206.

Clothing, with the exception of accessories and sporting equipment, also gets the sales tax holiday treatment. Eligible items cannot exceed $100.

Items to prepare for emergencies are also accepted, including portable generators for no more than $1,000, gas-powered chainsaws for $350 or less, and other specific items for $60 or less, such as batteries, duct tape, smoke detectors and cell phone chargers.

Energy Star and Water Sense-labeled products can also be eligible based on specific price thresholds, which are detailed by the state Depart ment of Taxation.

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