Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 7 and ending 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 9, some North Carolina merchandise will be completely tax-free. It's called "tax-free weekend," and the following items qualify:

• Clothing, footwear and school supplies under $100.
• Sports and recreation equipment under $50.
• Computers under $3,500.
• Computer equipment under $250.

What doesn't qualify:
• Clothing accessories
• Jewelry
• Cosmetics
• Protective equipment
• Wallets
• Furniture
• Items used in trade or business
• Rentals

By law, all retailers must honor this sales tax holiday for applicable items. The cost limitations are per item, not per purchase. Often, computer equipment prices are slashed during this weekend to move merchandise, but these sales go quickly. For more information, visit dornc.com.

North Carolina will also be offering a sales tax holiday on qualifying energy star-certified appliances Nov. 6-8.