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Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, South Carolina residents will have a 48-hour period when they can purchase guns, shotguns, and rifles tax-free.
The first annual Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday in the state is set to begin at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 28 and continue through 11:59 p.m. Nov. 29.
The sales tax holiday, approved by the South Carolina General Assembly in June, will permit the purchase of fixed-cartridge handguns, shotguns, and rifles without state and local sales and use taxes.
According to the South Carolina Department of Revenue, only purchases of fixed-cartridge handguns, shotguns and rifle will be tax-free.
Sales of items such as ammunition, black powder, holsters, archery supplies, antique guns and collectible guns will continue to be taxed.
The tax break represents a boon for gun enthusiasts as well as gun sellers and pawn shops, coming as it does during what are traditionally two of the two busiest shopping days of the year.
But the holiday, initially vetoed by Gov. Mark Sanford, has been met with criticism by some groups that support gun control.
Skip Gilmer, owner of Ammo Plus on Pleasantburg Road in Anderson, is looking forward to what the tax holiday will mean for his business.
“Obviously, the tax-free weekend will be an incentive for buyers, and we are looking forward to seeing a bit more foot traffic over the weekend of Nov. 28 and 29,” Gilmer said.
Gun Owners of America, an advocacy group for Second Amendment rights, said the sale of tax-free guns is in no way a departure from the idea behind responsible gun ownership.
“To suggest that selling guns tax free for a day or two is irresponsible shows a low regard for the right every American has to self-defense,” said Larry Pratt, executive director of Gun Owners of America.
But Scott Vogel, spokesman for Freedom States Alliance, a national advocacy group against gun violence, said the tax-free sale of guns comes at a time when purchasing a gun should not be made easier.
“The tax-free gun weekend is little more than a gimmick to get people to buy more guns at a time when we should be making it harder, not easier, to buy them,” Vogel said in a telephone interview Friday. “We wouldn’t support a tax-free weekend on tobacco. Why would we support a tax-free weekend on guns?”
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I've been waiting for the purchase of a concealed carry firearm so this sounds great. Couldn't come at a better time than now, with all the violent crime on an upswing. Thank you SC Gen. Assembly.
Concealed Weapon Permit: Better get it while you can!
The above three posts are scary as hell. "Let's arm ourselves so we can fight each other." Sounds a lot like the logic being touted by government and rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo right now. If there was ever a poster child for limiting gun ownership robmacgreg would be front and center (based on the comment above).
Having said all that - Vogel's comparison with Tobacco is not fair. A more reasonable comparison would be "we wouldn't offer a tax free weekend for the purchase of an automobile."
Cars with licensed, regulated drivers are a great convenience and can be a lot of fun... just like a rifle.
Cars in the hands of those who don't know what they are doing or who are simply irresponsible are deadly... just like guns.
The "tax free" days are just SC's way of telling the rest of the country and world to "go to hell". Sad.
in response to JohnDoe
JohnDoe,
Of course the above mentioned posts are scary as hell. This state is populated, for the most part, by barely literate, uneducated, backwards thinking, gun loving rednecks who choose to believe every retarded sound bite that Bill O'Rielly craps out of his mouth. Progressive thinking is something that is virtually outlawed in SC. Yet religious fanaticism and Constitutional paranoia mixed in with a healthy dose of right wing oppression is the norm. And as far as the gun sales tax holiday is concerned....That's just what the gun loving illiterate rednecks need, less expensive guns.
in response to Sabby
blow your pea whistle when you're robbed or your home is invaded by an intruder, since a gun is no use to you.you could call the police.but, the police response time is so slow you'd be dead and the intruder long gone by the time the authorities arrive.
in response to Sabby
Scabby, I hope you don't live in South Carolina. I would hate to think a person of your pseudo-intellect would have to subject themselves to living among bible thumping, gun toting rednecks.
Just look at the intelligent rebuttals. Point proven.
in response to Sabby
People like you would take our second amendment away first so that then you could start trying to take away our first amendment.
I would like to distance myself from Sabby. I don't agree with Sabby. That said, it's interesting to me that no one but Sabby and me seem at all offended by the unpatriotic posts from robmacgreg.
He's basically declared himself God. Laws aren't to be obeyed unless he sees them as reasonable. I agree there are times when you've got to stand against a law. But I wouldn't do it flippantly. (And I'm sure you and I would disagree about when that is appropriate.)
Your hatred for the vast majority of America is troubling. You know there are people in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting right now for your right to your views. Perhaps a little respect for them would be in order. America is a great country. And yet you seem to hate it. We live by the rule of law. We argue about what those laws ought to be sometimes. Occasionally we civilly defy those laws when they are so unjust they just can't be stood. But we love each other. We're family.
There are other places you can go if you hate America so much. As I mentioned your perspective would fit well in DRC. Give it a try. Let me know how the "rule of the gun" goes for ya.
First, let me state that I both own firearms, and have a concealed weapons permit.
But how the state government came up with this when there are so many more important and possibly supportive steps available to help people in this sour economy is beyond belief.
I am not sure how to accurately describe my reaction. Stunned is the closest adjective that comes to mind.
Wow!
in response to jwhigg
After further thought I have to agree with you jwigg.
To others on the topic of Obama
he believes that the constitution conveys an individual right to bear arms:
www.utu.org/worksite/obama/OnePagerGunsFinal.pdf
Don't worry, when the Federal Government comes to take away your guns, they will have no problem doing so. They will do whatever it takes, bomb your house, shoot your dog, even kill your kids.
It will have nothing to do with Obama.
Stupid, Stupid, Stupid!
With the sales tax revenue in the toilet, only the SC General Assembly (Republicans) would think to grant sales tax holidays.
The legislators should cut their pay and retirement the same percentage as will be lost.
Sabby and JohnDoe,
Both of you are actually a lot closer to correct than many of the other posters would like to admit. In fact, allow me to help illustrate what is happening here.
From the Associated Press (AP):
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081116/a...
Quoting from the article:
"There have been "hundreds" of incidents since the election, many more than usual, said Mark Potok, director of the Intelligence Project at the Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate crimes . . . Potok, who is white, said he believes there is "a large subset of white people in this country who feel that they are losing everything they know, that the country their forefathers built has somehow been stolen from them.""
... moving on ...
As much as it pains me to agree with ElCid, I also have to do this here. All market indicators point to the fact that gun sales are SURGING right now. Let me repeat that ... in a DOWN economy, where tax revenue is FALLING, you want to implement a TAX FREE weekend for gun sales - one of THE ONLY bright spots in the economy? Are you flippin' NUTS?!?!
If the General Assembly really wants to help the economy in this state, they need to look at "rolling out the red carpet" for new businesses and apply heavy penalties for those that choose to pull out of this state, NOT provide a tax break on something that is moving along without a tax-exempt stimulus.
Stupid, CLEARLY, does not hurt enough.
- SSHM
Passing a sales tax holiday in this current economic climate is foolhardy at best. It shows just how out of touch the politicians in Columbia have become.
What a way to spotlight the state as a bunch of southern rednecks...a gun holiday! I would be interested in knowing if our representatives voted for or against it.
Laughing_Out_Loud
You are so lame did you emigrate from Cuba? My forefathers fought and died for the right to keep and bear arms and so will I and my offspring.
in response to freebird22
Freebird you misunderstood my comments.
I support the second amendment, am a member of the NRA, own several rifles and handguns for hunting, sport and self defense, and even reload my own ammo.
I merely meant that it's bad enough that southerners are allready stereotyped as gun totin rednecks, why add to it with a gun tax holiday?
I don't see them offering to cut the sales tax on American Flags during July 4th...etc.
But watching them exempt sales tax on guns and then cut the budget for education makes me sick.
in response to Niblits
Nidbits "To others on the topic of Obama
he believes that the constitution conveys an individual right to bear arms"
Every time Obama is asked about gun control he say's he respects the second amendment.
But when you dig up his votes...what few there are...they don't support that statement.
And when asked particularly about a bill he was involved in or a publication he is credited with that contradicts this view he say's someone else did the writing and put his name on it.
The few times he has been pinned down for an opinion he claims individual states should have the right to make those decisions....which to me is just another way of voting "present".
I hope you are right. Believing it's constitutional doesn't mean he won't go along with others that want to change the constitution itself.
There is nothing stopping people from contributing your hard earned money to the state to pay for their bloated bureaucracies. If it were up to me, I would abolish all taxes. Lock and load!!!
What a great idea to have a tax holiday for firearms purchases. It couldn't have come at a better time, and it makes a bold statement that South Carolina stands up to support the Second Amendment and the individual right to bear arms. Thank you South Carolina Gen. Assembly.
Shooting is a sport in South Carolina, both for hunting and target purposes. Additionally, the right to protect life is an inalienable (natural) right, vs a legal right (and some people seem to be terribly confused on those two distinctions these days).
For those who would argue that a 2 day sales tax moratorium on firearm purchases will break the government budget, I would argue if that's true then SC has far deeper budget problems than sales tax on firearms.
For those who have a problem with the stereotyping of South Carolinians as "gun totin' rednecks" because of this holiday, rest assured it isn't due to this holiday. Stereotyping of that nature is done only by the narrow minded and ignorant, and they own that problem. I am not particularly concerned about what such small minds may "think".
"With these sales tax holidays individuals go out in hopes of making additional purchases so it not only helps retailers but it helps the state to hopefully boost the economy," says revenue department spokesperson Adrienne Fairwell.
I must agree with Fairwell. The way this is set up, only the actual firearms are exempt, and only for 2 days. While shoppers are making their firearms purchases on these days, they will likely also purchase ammunition and accessories, and perhaps even classes. These items are not tax exempt. Many will subsequently apply for concealed weapons permits, for which the state reaps additional, direct revenue.
I see this as a win/win/win/win for South Carolina revenue, the SC economy, SC firearms shoppers, dealers and instructors, and the 2nd Amendment of this nation.
in response to Pam
If the benefits are so good why not extend it to an industry that's hurting...such as automotive, or furniture, etc.
The idea of extending a boon to an individual industry at a time when so many are having trouble smacks of lobbyists and special favors.
I personally think any type of tax break if administered fairly is a good thing, as they have too much of our money allready. But if tax revenues are down so badly that the state has to cut support for education they should not be doing this at all.
Surely you aren't suggesting that citizens have inalienable rights to new automobiles and furniture.
Any economic boost is a bonus, not primary.
I fully expect lobbyists and politicians to protect/promote the 2nd Amendment rights of our citizens, and I applaud this legislation and all of those responsible. Well done.
I have sent thank you notes to all of the representative sponsors of the legislation, but unfortunately do not have the names or addresses of the lobbyists. Could you please provide those so that I may thank them as well? Appreciate it.
Crime rates are up...fact...criminals get guns...fact.... most criminals who get guns, do so illegally...general opinion....
I promote gun safety, legal ownership, knowledge, and our second ammendment rights. I also advise responsible ppl to take CWP classes. I think the rise in violent crimes indicates the necessity for mature adults to arm and educate themselves. After all, the gun doesn't kill. The person pulling the trigger is the one who kills. Will it be the criminal who is invading your home...perhaps raping your daughter...perhaps beating your mother...maybe stealing your hard earned items...ALL to support a drug habit or initiate into a gang? Or could you possibly protect your treasured loved ones by at least meeting the criminal with a comparable weapon...rather than a baseball bat? If you are IN the situation, moments can seem like days and the police can't get there as quickly as you would like. Hopefully none of these things will happen to any of you. But, isn't it at least comforting to know you have the right to legally own a gun that might just save your life or the life of a loved one? Call me a redneck if calling names makes you feel good. I can assure you if anyone attempts to destroy my family, I will protect them. I respect guns...I don't respect a theif or sex offender. Blaming the gun for the deaths by bullets is akin to blaming your pencil for failing your chemistry exam!
I could go on about this one...but I won't. I've been debating on whether or not to buy my husband a handgun. This is an opportunity I will take advantage of. I may even buy myself another one.
BTW, if you are so unhappy with South Caroling, LEAVE. I think we live in one of the greatest states in the US. I think I'll stay...now, I'm gonna go clean my 45 while I ponder whether to buy a 9mm or a 50cal. See you at the sporting goods store!
Are there any other states doing this...or is this just a South Carolina thing?
in response to Pam
At the risk of repeating myself:
If tax revenues are down so far that they cannot support education, infrastructure, and law enforcement, they should not be cutting sales tax on guns or anything else.
Do you not view law enforcement, roads and education a worthy use of taxes? If you had to choose between supporting these departments or cutting sales tax on guns which would you choose?
in response to Niblits
Niblits, I will admit that I didn't click you link, but I will also admit that if you claim Obama believes that individuals have a right to bear arms I don't need to.
Obama's Real Stance: "I don't believe that people should be able to own guns." Those are his words, not mine. See them here: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinio...
He certainly does not believe that individuals have a right to 'bear' arms. The word bear would suggest carrying a gun possibly even the concealed carry of a gun, which he is openly against. What he may believe is that for the time being judicial precedent says that people have a minimal right to keep arms in their home for self-defense. That is the gist of the Heller v DC ruling and I doubt he plans to apply it broadly rather than as narrowly and as minimally as possible. However, he will certainly try to change this precedent with his expected judicial nominations.
Stop helping Obama spread lies. He is anti-gun, pro-gun control. The facts speak for themselves. Just look at his voting record. Gun owners that don't like Obama will not be swayed by his words especially when the majority of gun owners dislike him for more reasons than just gun-related issues such as compulsory volunteerism (doublesthink in action if I ever saw it), redistribution of wealth (aka social and economic justice) and many more reasons. So really just stop. You're not going to win any converts. You may want to tend to the flock though because we will try to pull the wool from the eyes of as many as possible.
PS While I like the idea of the second amendment tax holiday, I hope they did not spend too much time on this. The legislature can hopefully make much better use of its time especially considering that gun sales have been anything but sluggish since the Lightworker was elected.
in response to Laughing_Out_Loud
"...education, infrastructure, and law enforcement..."
...are other other issues under other funding. Further, these are not things guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment. If you would like to discuss those, please find an appropriate place.
This thread is about the legislation to facilitate firearms demand/ownership under the 2nd Amendment. It's 2 lousy little tax free days out of the year (IMO firearms AND ammo should be exempt daily).
Guns and ammo are literally flying off of the shelves. Backorders abound. Some things are rare at any price.
One thing I can say for the forthcoming Obama administration: Before they've even taken office, they've created the most well armed society in the history of America.
"While I like the idea of the second amendment tax holiday, I hope they did not spend too much time on this. The legislature can hopefully make much better use of its time especially considering that gun sales have been anything but sluggish since the Lightworker was elected."
Of course they didn't spend a lot of time on it. It's a no-brainer.
Firearms are in unprecedented demand. Those are tax free for 2 days before the gift-giving season.
Ammo is not exempt. Accessories are not exempt. Cleaning kits are not exempt.
Those are regular, repeat purchases.
Many people who buy those will also buy training.
Classes/lessons/certifications are not exempt. Fingerprinting and background checks are not exempt.
SC will reap more than she forgives on this, by far.
in response to cooley
Many "red" states are responding to the demand in various ways, but individuals within all states know no color on this issue.
The 2nd Amendment is one of the most bi-partisan issues ever to quietly grace America.
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