Bonnie Cranmer
Contributing writer
For the weekend of Aug. 2-4, Virginia shoppers can score deals on school supplies, emergency supplies and even energy saving appliances during the sales tax holiday weekend. Craig County Public Schools has published the student supplies lists on their website so gearing up for the school year gets started right.
Craig County schools begin on Aug. 1-7 with teacher workdays. The first day of school for students is Thursday, Aug. 8. A detailed list of supplies students need to bring to school is provided for each grade, preschool through middle school. Parents are invited to donate additional items for teacher support listed for each grade. The school supply lists and school year calendar can be found on the school website: https://www.craig.k12.va.us/.
In addition to school supplies, the sales tax holiday weekend approved items include musical instruments, art supplies, lunch boxes and athletic jerseys. Need a new pair of boots for 4H or FFA activities? That’s on the list. Need a new uniform or coveralls for work? That’s included, too. A complete list of qualifying school supplies, approved clothing and footwear is available on the Virginia Department of Taxation website at this address https://www.tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday
Weather related emergencies have become more frequent and the sales tax holiday includes items to help be prepared. This is a time to update the family first aid kit, stock up on flashlights and batteries, as well as other emergency gear. Weather band radios, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are essential household items that keep your family safe. Portable generators and backup power banks for cell phones and other devices that need to be charged, with a sales price under $1,000, are eligible. Chain saws and accessories are included, too.
If there’s any home renovation projects including new appliances, the sales tax holiday weekend offers homeowners an opportunity to get the tax off purchases under $2,500 of air conditioners, ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, refrigerators and even light bulbs with the Energy Star logo. Look for the WaterSense logo on approved products such as sink faucets and accessories, shower heads, toilets, urinals and even landscape irrigation controllers.
The sales tax holiday weekend encourages shoppers to purchase items either in the store or online to get the sales tax free. Even Amazon is offering the benefit to shoppers on that weekend. Now is the time to make your list and check what’s eligible on the state website. Every dollar counts and the sales tax holiday weekend is just two short weeks away.
Courtesy image
