The S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs is urging shoppers to plan ahead and guard against scams during the Aug. 7-9 tax-free weekend.
Based on a release from S.C. Dept. of Consumer Affairs.
South Carolina’s tax-free weekend runs Aug. 7-9, 2026, allowing shoppers to buy many items without paying the 6% state sales tax and applicable local taxes, according to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs.
The agency is encouraging consumers to make a shopping plan and offered several tips ahead of the weekend.
Shoppers should make a list and stick to it, according to the department. The South Carolina Department of Revenue’s website has a general list of items that are tax exempt and ones that are not, which can help shoppers save time and avoid impulse buying, the department said.
Consumers should also review store return and exchange policies before shopping and ask about restocking fees, particularly for items like computers, according to the department. The agency also recommended reviewing financial statements during and after the weekend and disputing any errors or fraudulent charges immediately.
Eligible items purchased online are also tax free during the weekend, according to the department. For online shopping, the agency advised consumers to watch for fake websites and advertisements, noting that a rock-bottom price compared to a product’s suggested retail price is a red flag for a scam.
Shoppers should stick to trusted, established websites they have visited before and search for reviews or complaints about a site, according to the department. The agency also recommended using a credit card rather than a debit card when shopping online, since credit cards offer additional protections and debit cards provide a direct line to a checking account.
The department publishes a guide called Ditch the Pitch with more information on spotting scams. Consumers who believe they have been victims of a scam can file a report with the department by calling (800) 922-1594 or visiting consumer.sc.gov, according to the agency.
