Virginia’s Tax-Free Weekend Offers Savings on Essential Items

Virginia’s annual sales tax holiday is taking place from March 15 to March 17, 2024, allowing shoppers to save on various essential items. During this weekend, consumers can purchase clothing, footwear, school supplies, hurricane preparedness products, and Energy Star and WaterSense items without paying sales tax. The tax rates in the region vary, with a rate of 6% in most areas of Hampton Roads and 7% in locations such as Williamsburg, James City County, and York County.

Retailers are seizing the opportunity to attract shoppers with additional discounts. Walmart, for example, is promoting over 200 back-to-school discounts. The store is offering more than 100 school supplies priced under $1 and over 1,000 items under $5. Home Depot is encouraging consumers to prepare for hurricane season, advising shoppers that staff can provide tips on assembling emergency preparedness kits and recommend products to mitigate flooding.

Mark Goldner, owner of Beach Hardware at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, reported that while he has not noticed a significant increase in business during the tax-free weekend, he urges customers to take advantage of the savings. He stated, “The store gets busy in the days leading up to a hurricane, and it’s better to prepare for it ahead of time. We’re fully stocked with batteries, flashlights, and propane.”

Local Retailers Join the Tax-Free Weekend

Several local boutiques are also leveraging the tax-free weekend to boost their back-to-school sales. Golden Hour Boutique, located in the Renaissance Place shopping center on Great Neck Road, will offer an additional 15% discount alongside a sidewalk sale featuring items priced at $15. Owner Dana Sadowski explained, “We always throw in a little extra savings to celebrate the tax holiday. I also always give teachers and bus drivers 15% off all year round.”

Pixelated Boutique in the Hilltop area of Virginia Beach is providing an extra 15% off for customers who leave a Google review at checkout. Polish Boutique, situated in Virginia Beach’s Great Neck area, will extend a 20% discount across the store during the tax-free weekend. Co-owner Sarah Winstead noted, “Customers can save nearly 26% on apparel and shoes when combining the savings.”

Online shoppers can also benefit from the tax-free savings. Eligible items include specific school supplies priced at $20 or less per item, clothing and footwear that cost $100 or less, and designated hurricane preparedness items priced at $60 or less. Portable generators must be $1,000 or less, while gas-powered chainsaws should not exceed $350. Additionally, qualifying Energy Star and WaterSense products must be $2,500 or less and purchased for personal use. For a comprehensive list of qualifying items, consumers can visit tax.virginia.gov.

As the tax-free weekend approaches, retailers and consumers alike are gearing up for a busy shopping period, highlighting the importance of preparation as hurricane season approaches.