By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – Virginians will be able to cash in on deals across the commonwealth this weekend as Virginia’s annual sales tax holiday returns for three days of tax-free shopping.
From Friday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 3, shoppers can avoid paying sales tax on eligible school supplies, clothing, hurricane prep gear and energy-efficient appliances, whether buying online or in person.
School supplies priced at $20 or less per item qualify, including basics like pencils, notebooks, crayons, glue, calculators, folders and lunch boxes. Clothing and footwear are also exempt, as long as each item is $100 or less. Athletic gear and accessories do not qualify.
Storm prep items are included as well, such as portable generators priced up to $1,000, gas-powered chainsaws up to $350, and chainsaw accessories or other emergency gear priced at $60 or less.
Energy Star and WaterSense appliances for noncommercial home use are also tax-free if each item costs $2,500 or less.
Online purchases also qualify for the exemption, as long as the seller accepts the order during the tax holiday for immediate shipment, even if delivery happens later. Shipping fees do not count toward an item’s price limit.
Computers and software are not eligible for the exemption, and neither are sports or recreational items like ballet shoes, helmets, or roller skates while accessories such as jewelry, cosmetics, handbags, and umbrellas are also excluded, even if individually priced under the threshold.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin promoted the holiday on social media this week, calling it “a little extra relief” for Virginians ahead of the weekend.
The full list of qualifying items is available on the Virginia Department of Taxation’s website.
