Tax Free Weekend: Virginia Sales Tax Holiday Returns Oct. 20-22

Virginia’s annual three-day sales tax holiday resumes this month. Shoppers will get the opportunity to save money on school supplies, clothing, footwear, emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star and WaterSense products without paying sales tax.

The sales tax holiday usually occurs at the start of August, but due to budget negotiations in the General Assembly, legislation that created the holiday expired July 1. Virginia legislators were able to pass a budget deal in September that included reinstating the sales tax holiday.

From Oct. 20-22, stock up on the many supplies needed for protecting your home and business during an emergency. The Atlantic hurricane season ends Nov. 30, and the city is still geographically vulnerable to threats of strong nor’easters and winter storms in the coming months.

Assembling an emergency kit with essential supplies for you and your family is important before a hurricane or emergency. Some of the items recommended in the kit are eligible for tax exemption including batteries, flashlights, portable radios, two-way radios, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, first aid kits and more.

Learn about how to stay ahead and stay informed during hurricane season.

ELIGIBLE ITEMS

Hurricane and emergency preparedness products

• Portable generators - $1,000 or less per item
• Gas-powered chainsaws - $350 or less per item
• Chainsaw accessories - $60 or less per item
• Other specified hurricane preparedness items - $60 or less per item

School Supplies, clothing and footwear

• Qualified school supplies - $20 or less per item
• Qualified clothing and footwear - $100 or less per item

Energy Star and WaterSense products

• Qualifying Energy Star™ or WaterSense™ products purchased for noncommercial home or personal use - $2,500 or less per item

For more details about the sales tax holiday, information about retailers and qualifying items, visit www.tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday.