Tax free holiday begins Aug. 2
By Anne Marie Kyzer Staff Writer

Local shoppers can fill their buggies with back-to-school purchases next weekend without paying sales tax.

The state's sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 2, and runs until midnight Aug. 5. Local and state sales tax will not be charged for clothing, footwear, school supplies, computers and computer accessories.

Wal-Mart manager Steve Moss expects a boom from the tax-free event and ranks it as one of the top three shopping occasions of the year for the store.

He expects to see apparel, electronics and school supplies go fast all weekend, but he's really gearing up for the last day.

Burke County Public Schools will hold open house Sunday, Aug. 5, and most of the items on the supply lists handed out won't be taxed during the weekend.

Moss said he expects a rush after parents leave the open house sessions at the schools.

Meanwhile, CVS manager Tina Hammac said her employees are beefing up their school supply section, ordering more notebook paper, pens and pencils for the occasion.

SALES TAX HOLIDAY

Aug. 2-5

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

• Clothing and footwear • School supplies • Personal computer and accessories up to $1,500 per transaction • Personal digital assistants

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

• Jewelry and watches • Handbags • Umbrellas • Eyewear • Digital cameras • Cell phones • Furniture • Any devices intended for recreational use

** Clothing or footwear that cost more than $100 per item or school

supplies that cost more than $20 per item will not be tax-free. Personal

digital assistants that include voice communication features

are not included.