The weekend after Thanksgiving is usually one of the biggest shopping events of the year.

And this year there is an added incentive for shoppers in the state of South Carolina.

The state's second sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 24 and ends at midnight Nov. 25. Note that it is only 48 hours rather than 72 hours as is the August sales tax holiday.

This sales tax free weekend is also different because it applies to “all” purchases. You can buy a car this weekend and not pay sales taxes. You can buy a manufactured home and not pay sales taxes.

But you are exempt only from the 5 percent state sales tax. Local option taxes will still be applied.

The November tax holiday was a part of the South Carolina tax relief plan that will raise the state sales tax to 6 percent in June 2007.

It's a consolation prize, so to speak.

Ironically, a lot of people don't know about this sales tax free weekend. It may be orchestrated that way since the state is expected to lose money.

Nonetheless, the countdown begins to the holiday shopping frenzy. Get out there, and shop til you drop this weekend.

But be careful. No sales taxes combined with already discounted prices and sales could get a little crazy for the faint at heart.