To help parents get their children ready for the start of the fall semester, and save them some money at the same time, Virginia will hold its annual back-to-school sales tax holiday Friday, Aug. 3 through Sunday, Aug. 5.

This is the seventh year for the sales tax holiday, which covers most school supplies costing $20 or less each and clothing items and footwear priced at $100 or less. These items will be exempt from Virginia’s 5 percent state and local sales tax.

The list of tax-exempt items is the same as last year and includes such products as pens, pencils, loose leaf ruled notebook paper, scissors, binders, backpacks, construction paper, sneakers, dresses, jeans and T-shirts.

"What better way to beat the summer heat than to go out and shop and support Virginia businesses," said Gov. Bob McDonnell. "Of the Commonwealth’s three sales tax holidays, this is the most popular because it helps parents around the state save money while purchasing essential sc...