CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — After a multi-year hiatus, West Virginia shoppers are again able to take advantage of a sales tax-free weekend of shopping, thanks to legislation in 2019 allowing charter schools, which also included provisions for a sales tax holiday.
“I’m always happy when we can give a little relief to West Virginians’ pocketbooks, especially as many families are looking at back-to-school shopping after a difficult year of uncertainties and learning from home,” said House Finance Committee Chairman Eric Householder, R-Berkeley. “This Republican Legislature will continue to look for ways to pull back the heavy hand of government to allow for even more tax freedom beyond just one weekend.”
The West Virginia State Tax Department recently issued guidance for the West Virginia State Sales Tax Holiday, which begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 30 and ends at midnight Monday, Aug. 2. Certain clothing, school supplies, school instruction material, computers and sports equipment qualify for the sales tax holiday, but many items do not qualify, so shoppers are advised to review the details HERE.
“A lot of our members worked incredibly hard to get our charter schools bill passed, and it included so many good things for West Virginia families,” Householder said. “I know firsthand how important every cent of tax can be when you’re in one of our many border counties, and I hope a lot of folks are able to pick up some necessities this weekend while also stimulating some of our business who could use the boost.”
The average customer will save at least 6% on every qualified purchase and up to 7% if they purchase the item in a municipality that has imposed a local sales tax.
During the Sales Tax Holiday, qualifying items can be purchased tax-free online or by telephone, mail, custom order, or any other means (including in-store purchases) when either:
- The item is both delivered to, and paid for by, the customer during the exemption period; or
- The customer orders and pays for the item, and the seller accepts the order during the exemption period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the exemption period ends.
This is West Virginia’s first back-to-school Sales Tax Holiday since 2004.
