Sales tax holiday starts Friday, 8/3
It's almost time for the annual tax-free weekend here in North Carolina and that means back-to-school shopping is in high gear! Here are the details and a few tips to help you save the most!
Posted — Updated* School supplies with a sales price of $100.00 or less per item.
* Clothing with a sales price of $100.00 or less per item
* Sport or recreational equipment with a sales price of $50.00 or less per item
* Computers, including tablet computers and netbooks, with a sales price of $3,500 or less per item
* Computer supplies with a sales price of $250.00 or less per item
* School instructional materials with a sales price of $300.00 or less per item
* Sales of clothing accessories or equipment
* Sales of protective equipment
* Sales of furniture
* Sales of an item for use in a trade or business
* Rentals
Some stores and malls will be extending their hours during the tax-free weekend so you have plenty of time to shop. Call ahead to see if your favorite stores are offering extended hours.
Make sure the deals are really deals – don’t just buy because it’s tax-free weekend. You may save more money on another day when the item is on sale 25-30% off versus only saving 7.75% if the item is not on sale. For big ticket items like computers and printers, do your homework and price compare different sites to make sure you are getting a good buy. Ideally you can find a great sale AND pay no tax!
Look for BOGO deals (buy one get one free deals), low cost school supply deals at office supply stores and Walmart and free after rebate deals.
Check out the school supplies sale list I will post on Sunday to find the best deals. Couple those sales with the tax-free weekend discount to save the most.
Be prepared for busy stores with an average of 20% more traffic during tax-free weekend. Be patient and don’t get stressed out. If you get anxious about the crowds, you are more likely to make a rash purchase just to be done with the shopping.
You can order items online to avoid the crowds and you will still get the tax-free discount. The tax may be charged initially, but the retailer should deduct it when processing the order.
Don't forget about retailers like Goodwill and consignment shops. You don't have to hit all the high dollar name brand stores for your back to school shopping.
Good luck and please post your great finds! If you have any other advice for shoppers looking for the best deals during the tax-free holiday, please share your thoughts here!
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