COLUMBIA, S.C. - The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is encouraging consumers to tackle tax free weekend with a thoughtful plan involving the following tips:

• Make a list and stick to it. Review the Department of Revenue's (SCDOR) website for a list of items that are tax exempt as well as ones that are not. A list will help consumers save time and avoid impulse buying and overspending.
• Choose your payment method wisely. When shopping in a store, pay with cash if you have trouble sticking to a budget. If you prefer shopping online, a credit card offers more consumer fraud protections than a debit card. Make sure to pay the credit card bill on time and in full to avoid interest charges.
• Know the return policy. Review return and exchange policies before purchasing anything. Don't be afraid to ask about the return policy if it's not posted.
• Review financial statements carefully. Security breaches often happen during high traffic shopping times. Keep an eye on financial statements, ensuring there are no errors or fraudulent charges. If there are, dispute them immediately.

Consumers with questions about the tax free weekend should visit the SCDOR website dedicated to the sales tax holiday. For more consumer tips, or to get assistance if you find suspicious charges or errors on your accounts call SCDCA toll-free at 1-800- 922-1594.

Consumers are also encouraged to contact SCDCA directly with complaints regarding products or services purchased for family or household use. To see if a business has complaints against it, consumers should take advantage of the Search Complaints tool on the Consumer Information page of SCDCA's website.

About SCDCA
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs aims to protect consumers from inequities in the marketplace through advocacy, complaint mediation, enforcement and education. File a Complaint or call toll-free, 1-800-922-1594, to get information on consumer issues.