It’s almost tax-free weekend. Here’s a list of places to shop near Charlotte

At least 25 states have sales tax-free holidays where shoppers can enjoy significant discounts on a variety of items during back-to-school season.

Unfortunately, North Carolina isn’t one of those states — but it used to be.

The state’s tax-free weekend, which ended in 2013, gave families a chance to stock up on back-to-school essentials like clothes, shoes, notebooks, and pens without having to pay sales tax.

Although North Carolina no longer offers a sales tax holiday, Charlotte residents can still take advantage by heading to nearby stores in South Carolina or in Tennessee, where tax-free shopping events are held in July and August for back-to-school items.

When is tax-free weekend?

Tax-free weekend in South Carolina this year is Friday, Aug. 1 until Sunday, Aug. 3, and the sales tax holiday takes place from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27 in Tennessee.

Tax-free weekend savings

▪ In Tennessee, shoppers can save between 7% and 10% on clothing and school supplies priced at $100 or less per item, and computers that cost less than $1,500. Items such as jewelry, handbags, or sports and recreational equipment are not eligible.

▪ South Carolina has a statewide sales and use tax rate of 6%. On top of that, individual counties can add an extra 1% sales tax if it’s approved by local voters. Tax-free items range from clothing, accessories and shoes to school supplies, backpacks and computers.

Where to shop during tax-free weekend

Charlotte residents can cross state lines into South Carolina, Tennessee or Virginia to shop without paying sales tax.

Here are a few popular destinations for tax-free shopping:

▪ Rock Hill, South Carolina, which is about 28 miles from Charlotte, has Walmart, Belk, T.J. Maxx, Target, JCPenney and Kohl’s.

▪ Spartanburg, South Carolina, which is about 76 miles from Charlotte, has Belk, Dillard’s, Ross Dress for Less, JCPenney, Burlington, Big Lots, Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx, Hamrick’s and Best Buy.

▪ Greenville, South Carolina, which is about 104 miles from Charlotte, has Belk, Dillard’s, Macy’s, JCPenney, Old Navy, T.J. Maxx, Ross, Walmart, Nordstrom and Burlington.

▪ Sevierville, Tennessee, which is about 208 miles away from Charlotte, has a Tanger Outlets, with stores like Nike, Old Navy, Polo Ralph Lauren, Under Armour, Adidas, American Eagle, Express, Gap, Lululemon, Tommy Hilfiger and Vineyard Vines.

▪ Knoxville, Tennessee, which is about 232 miles away from Charlotte, has Dillard’s, Belk, JCPenney, Target and Best Buy. You’ll find a lot more speciality stores and boutiques at local malls, such as West Town Mall and Turkey Creek.

Why did NC stop tax-free weekend?

North Carolina offered a sales tax holiday beginning in 2002, but it ended when Gov. Pat McCrory signed a tax reform law that cut personal and corporate income tax rates while eliminating the holiday in 2013.

The change took effect in July 2014. At the time, lawmakers said the 2013 tax-free weekend cost the state more than $13 million in lost revenue.

Since 2013, lawmakers have repeatedly proposed bringing back the sales tax holiday. Earlier this year, both the House budget — which had bipartisan backing — and Gov. Josh Stein’s proposed budget included plans to restore the tax-free weekend, The News & Observer previously reported.

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.