Tax Free Weekend 2008

Posted by Cyndi Allison Jul 31, 2008

It's less than two hours until tax free weekend in North Carolina. This is always a big deal. It's not as wild as Black Friday, but it's close.

North Carolina is not the only state that offers sales tax relief during certain times. You can check the state list and see which states are tax free and when and also which goods are on the list.

On my end, I wish they would shift the NC tax free weekend until after the first week of school. The way it stands, you don't even know what the kiddies need to buy, so you just grab stuff, go, and pray. I always get loose leaf paper and Kleenix. Kids always can use the paper, and the schools must have a major shortage on Kleenix as they always ask parents to send more.

This year I have to factor the gas to go to town and shop tax free. Gas is not tax free - of course. I figure it takes about $8 to town and back. Sales tax is around 7%. If I don't go over $100 on school related purchases, then I don't even break even.

On the other hand, many online stores are tax free but don't always have what I need and may have high shipping charges.

Am I going tax free shopping? Not sure. I hate the crowds. I end up buying things that don't count on tax free. I buy things that I think we may need but don't. I end up eating out, because it takes time and energy to shop, and I just can't pass up a chance to eat out when there's not much here in town as far as eat out. All in all, I probably end up paying more for tax free weekend than I benefit.