HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Virginia’s annual tax-free weekend will return this year from Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3, allowing residents to make qualifying purchases without paying state and local sales tax.

During the three-day holiday, shoppers can save on a wide range of items including school supplies, clothing, emergency preparedness gear, and energy-efficient home products. Both in-store and online purchases are eligible for the exemption, provided the order is placed within the event period and delivered to a Virginia address.

School supplies priced at $20 or less per item will be exempt from tax, as will clothing and footwear items priced at $100 or less. This includes everyday apparel but excludes items such as jewelry, briefcases, and athletic protective gear.

The tax holiday also provides an opportunity for residents to prepare for emergencies. Portable generators costing $1,000 or less, gas-powered chainsaws up to $350, and a variety of emergency supplies and chainsaw accessories priced at $60 or less qualify for the exemption.

In addition, Energy Star and WaterSense-certified appliances and products for non-commercial home use can be purchased tax-free if they are priced at $2,500 or less per item. This includes items such as refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, and water-conserving fixtures.

The sales tax holiday is especially popular with families gearing up for the back-to-school season. It offers a roughly 5.3% to 7% discount, depending on local tax rates, by waiving both state and local portions of the sales tax.

The Virginia Department of Taxation recommends that shoppers verify eligibility for specific items by reviewing its online guidelines. Price limits apply per individual item, not per transaction, and some exclusions apply.

The tax-free weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 1 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 3. Additional information is available at the Virginia Department of Taxation’s official website.