If you didn't already know, now you do — Tax Free Weekend begins today.

The state's usual 6% sales tax rate (plus additional local taxes that can be tacked on to purchases) will disappear for certain items this weekend from Friday, Aug. 4-Sunday, Aug. 6. We're here to help give you the information you need to shop smart.

What items will be tax free?

Computers and computer software
Printers and printer supplies
Schools supplies (Ex: Pens, pencils, notebooks)
Clothing and accessories (Ex: Hats, scarves, handbags) but not items like makeup, jewelry, or watches
Shoes
Certain bed and bath items (Bath washcloths, blankets, bedspreads, bed linens, sheet sets, comforter sets, bath towels, shower curtains, bath rugs and mats, pillows, and pillow cases)

Have a specific item you're curious about? Check out whether it will be tax free via the SC Revenue Ruling 19-4.

Where can I shop?

It's easy: Anywhere that these tax-free items are sold, you can shop and pay without sales tax, in-store or online. Obviously, though, we recommend shopping local — here are a few of our suggestions:

If you're headed back to school | Wulbern-Koval Inc., The Paper Canopy (check out our News Notes for an update on this shop), Blue Bicycle Books, Buxton Books
If you're wanting a new wardrobe | Two Cumberland, M. Dumas & Sons, Julep, The Finicky Filly
If you want your bed and bath to go beyond | Rhodes Boutique, Celadon
If you need to heighten your shoe game | Shoes on King, Charleston Shoe Co., Phillips Shoes

Bonus: While this spot may not be local, Apricot Lane Boutique is offering extra deals on top of tax exemptions this weekend.