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Need a budget break on back-to-school shopping? West Virginia's Tax Division has one built in Friday through Aug. 3, with a sales tax holiday that should help.
During those days, clothing priced $125 or less, laptops and tablets priced at $500 or less, school instructional materials priced at $20 or less, school supplies priced at $50 or less and sports equipment priced at $150 or less will be exempt from sales tax.
The total purchase is not limited, only the amount for each individual item.
There are restrictions, of course. Find explanations such as "'School instructional material' does not include any material purchased for use in a trade or business," at tax.wv.gov/Business/Pages/SalesTaxHoliday.aspx
And, if you're looking at some of the details wondering, for example, who tried to pass off a costume mask or wetsuit and fins as back-to-school purchases, just remember rules exist because someone tried to push the boundaries first.
There are answers to plenty of other questions on the website, too. Topics include buy-one-get-one-free, refunds, layaway, shipping and handling and more.
It is worth noting West Virginia appears to be working to better accommodate students' and parents' needs than some surrounding state. Policymakers are to be commended for their work on that front.
If you've been putting off the inevitable, your chance is fast-approaching for back-to-school weekend shopping that will take a little less out of your wallet. Given the expenses parents know pop up to surprise us throughout the school year, you're going to need it.