Virginia residents eagerly anticipate the annual tax-free weekend, which offers a temporary break from sales tax on specified items. This event can provide significant savings for back-to-school shopping or preparation for the upcoming fall season. Planning ahead and understanding the specifics of Virginia’s tax-free weekend can help you make the most of this opportunity.
When is VA tax-free weekend?
**Virginia’s tax-free weekend typically occurs in August. For 2021, it will take place from Friday, August 6th through Sunday, August 8th. During this period, qualifying items are exempt from Virginia’s 4.3% state sales tax as well as any applicable local taxes.**
Below are some frequently asked questions about Virginia’s tax-free weekend:
1. What items are included in Virginia’s tax-free weekend?
Qualifying items typically include school supplies, clothing, footwear, hurricane and emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star and WaterSense products.
2. Are computers and electronics tax-free during Virginia’s tax-free weekend?
Yes, certain electronics, such as computers and computer accessories, with a purchase price of $500 or less, are eligible for the tax exemption.
3. Can I purchase items online and still receive the tax exemption?
Yes, online purchases made during Virginia’s tax-free weekend are eligible for the tax exemption, as long as the items are purchased for personal use and not for business.
4. Are all school supplies tax-exempt during the tax-free weekend in Virginia?
Most school supplies, such as notebooks, pens, pencils, and backpacks, are included in the tax exemption. However, items like certain art supplies and computer paper may not be eligible.
5. Can I use coupons on tax-free items during Virginia’s tax-free weekend?
Yes, you can use coupons to lower the price of tax-free items, but the discounted price after coupons must still fall within the tax-free threshold.
6. Are clothing and footwear both tax-exempt during Virginia’s tax-free weekend?
Yes, most clothing items, including footwear, that are priced at $100 or less per item are eligible for the tax exemption.
7. Can I purchase sports equipment tax-free during Virginia’s tax-free weekend?
Generally, sports equipment is not included in the tax exemption unless it is specifically listed as eligible by the Virginia Department of Taxation.
8. Are face masks and hand sanitizers tax-exempt during Virginia’s tax-free weekend?
Face masks and hand sanitizers are not typically included in the list of tax-exempt items for Virginia’s tax-free weekend, unless they are part of a qualifying hurricane or emergency preparedness kit.
9. Is there a limit on the number of items I can purchase tax-free during Virginia’s tax-free weekend?
There is no limit on the number of eligible items you can purchase tax-free during Virginia’s tax-free weekend, as long as each item meets the criteria for tax exemption.
10. Can I purchase layaway items tax-free during Virginia’s tax-free weekend?
Yes, items placed on layaway during Virginia’s tax-free weekend are eligible for the tax exemption as long as the final payment is made and the items are picked up during the tax-free period.
11. Are textbooks and educational materials tax-exempt during Virginia’s tax-free weekend?
Textbooks and educational materials are typically not eligible for the tax exemption unless they fall under the category of school supplies included in the list of qualifying items.
12. Can I return tax-free items purchased during Virginia’s tax-free weekend?
If you need to return tax-free items purchased during Virginia’s tax-free weekend, the refund will reflect the purchase price minus any applicable taxes. You will not receive a refund for the tax amount since it was already exempted at the time of purchase.