(RALEIGH) -- If anyone is looking forward to this weekend's tax-free holiday more than parents, it's the owners of local small businesses. The tax holiday, which runs from Friday through Sunday, gives moms and dads a chance to buy back-to-school supplies without reaching as deep into their wallets. Gregg Thompson of the National Federation of Independent Business says it's a win-win.

"For parents it's an opportunity to save money ... it's a weekend that parents can get all the school supplies that kids need for the year and save some money."

More than 8-thousand small businesses are counting on the holiday to bring more customers through their doors. Thompson says it's a great opportunity to support your local businesses.

"Our members report that sales are boosted during the tax-free weekend." Thompson adds spending money at neighborhood store saves jobs and boosts the economy.

Per the North Carolina Department of Revenue, the August Sales Tax Holiday provides an exemption for certain items of tangible personal property sold between 12:01 A.M. on the first Friday in August and 11:59 P.M. the following Sunday. Clothing, footwear, and school supplies of $100 or less per item; school instructional materials of $300 or less per item; sports and recreation equipment of $50 or less per item, computers of $3,500 or less per item; and computer supplies of $250 or less per item will be exempt.

Clothing accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, protective equipment, wallets, furniture, items used in a trade or business, and rentals are not covered by the exemption and will be subject to the applicable tax.

For a complete list of items exempt during the sales tax holiday visit the North Carolina Department of Revenue website.