Just in time for back-to-school shopping, Virginia has announced a three-day sales tax holiday from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 5 to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 7. Shoppers will be able to purchase qualifying school supplies, clothing and footwear without paying sales tax.
What is exempt from taxes?
School supplies, clothing and footwear that meet the following criteria:
- Qualified school supplies – $20 or less per item
- Qualified clothing and footwear – $100 or less per item
See the list of school supplies, clothing and footwear for details about qualified items.
In addition, qualifying emergency preparedness items and certain energy-efficient products, including Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products and appliances below established price thresholds, will be available for purchase without the cost of sales tax. Get details about qualifying items and restrictions.
According to the Virginia Department of Taxation, this includes qualifying items purchased online, by mail or over the phone. The holiday is not restricted to Virginia residents. Anyone purchasing exempt items during the holiday in Virginia, or buying exempt items for immediate delivery to a Virginia address is eligible.
In addition to the specific items exempted, retailers may also choose to offer other items “tax-free” by paying the sales tax themselves during the holiday.