The annual sales tax holiday for
North Carolina begins this Friday, August 5, and runs through Sunday, August 7.
Families like to take advantage
of the tax-free weekend to buy new clothes and supplies to start the new school
year, but it is also important for families to get what they need and make sure
their purchase qualifies as being tax-free. North Carolina’s Department of Revenue
offers a detailed list of items that do not qualify
for the tax exemptions.
"The
tax-free weekend offers a great opportunity for families to purchase
necessities for the upcoming school year, without the additional cost of sales
tax,” said Toby
Barfield, president and CEO of BBB serving Eastern North
Carolina. “Families should create their
shopping list in advance to ensure that they get everything they need and that
everything on their list qualifies as tax-free."
To help consumers make the most
of the sales tax holiday, BBB offers the following tips:
- Take inventory. Before heading to the
stores, take a look at what you already have. There may be supplies
leftover from the previous school year that can be used again. Also, take
a look around the house for reusable items such as backpacks, lunchboxes,
rulers and calculators.
- Set a budget. Budgets for school supplies
should be planned in advance. BBB recommends including your children in
the process of creating the budget to teach them responsible money
management.
- Create a shopping list. Shopping with a list will
help families stick to their budget, avoid costly impulse purchases and
ensure that nothing is forgotten.
- Know what the school allows. Schools will often provide a
list of required items for the school year, which will help determine what
needs to be purchased. These lists are often available on the school’s Web
site. Additionally, many schools have dress codes or items they will not
allow on campus, so families should keep these restrictions in mind as
they shop.
- Shop at businesses you know
to be trustworthy. Check out a retailer’s BBB Business Review at bbb.org
before doing business with them.
For
additional consumer tips, visit bbb.org.
