November 18, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina shoppers will get a second chance to buy tax-free guns.

The state Revenue Department sent out a reminder Wednesday of the upcoming "Second Amendment Weekend." The 48-hour tax break begins just after midnight the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Shoppers will pay no state or local sales taxes on handguns, rifles and shotguns, which can total 9 percent. Taxes still apply to ammunition and accessories.

South Carolina had the nation's only tax holiday on guns last year. Legislators tacked it on to a tax break on energy-efficient appliances, then restored it in the budget this year.

Louisiana followed with a sales tax holiday for hunters in September. That break went further, applying to any item that can be used for hunting or fishing.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)