South Carolina Tax-Free Weekend Starts Friday, August 7

South Carolina residents and visitors will have the opportunity to save on back-to-school supplies during the state's annual Tax-Free Weekend, which begins on Friday, August 7, 2026, and runs through Sunday, August 9, 2026.

During the three-day sales tax exemption period, shoppers can purchase eligible items without paying the state's 6% sales tax or any additional local option taxes that normally apply to retail purchases. According to the South Carolina Department of Revenue, the exemption applies to a wide range of qualifying back-to-school essentials.

Local merchants throughout Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand area are gearing up for the event. Among those preparing for the influx of shoppers is a store operated by a local Myrtle Beach teacher, serving families and educators stocking up on school supplies ahead of the new academic year.

For families, college students, and teachers in the local community, the holiday offers a chance to reduce the overall cost of necessary classroom goods and apparel. The removal of both the 6% state sales tax and local taxes provides direct savings at the register for shoppers buying covered items over the weekend.

Shoppers interested in taking advantage of the tax-free savings can consult the South Carolina Department of Revenue for the complete list of exempt goods before heading out to area stores or making qualifying online purchases between Friday and Sunday.