Back-to-School tax holiday returns

RICHMOND (WAVY) - Virginia and North Carolina are giving back-to-school shoppers a tax break.

Start getting your shopping list together. The first weekend of August, qualifying school supplies, clothing and shoes will be exempt from sales tax.

The sales tax holiday happens each year. This year, it begins Friday, August 3 and runs through Sunday, August 5 at midnight.

In Virginia:

Certain school supplies that cost $20 or less and clothing and shoes that cost $100 or less are included and will be exempt from Virginia's 5 percent state and local sales tax.

Computers are not considered school supply items, but during the tax holiday weekend, some stores include more than the state guidelines in their sale, such as computers.

Click here for the complete list of eligible items in Virginia.

In North Carolina, according to the State's Department of Revenue:

"Clothing, footwear, and school supplies of $100 or less per item; school instructional materials of $300 or less per item; sports and recreation equipment of $50 or less per item, computers of $3,500 or less per item; and computer supplies of $250 or less per item will be exempt."

Click here for the complete list of eligible items in North Carolina.

10 On Your Side needs your help to get this year off to a great start for local students. Look for our Operation School Supplies collection boxes at all area locations. Click here for the complete list off drop-off sites.