West Virginia parents caught off guard by the rapidly approaching start of school will be glad to know the state is giving them a little help with back-to-school shopping this weekend.

Through 11:59 p.m. Monday, some school necessities will be sales-tax-free.

Though it has not happened since 2004, the Sales Tax Holiday gives families a little break — although once shoppers add up the cost of items such as laptops, tablets and sports equipment, it might not seem so little — on items families must purchase about this time each summer. (And yes, the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website does indicate the holiday applies to county local sales and use tax rates, too.)

Sales-tax-exempted items include: certain clothing with a purchase price of $125 or less; certain school supplies with a purchase price of $50 or less; certain school instruction material with a purchase price of $20 or less; certain laptop and tablet computers with a purchase price of $500 or less; and certain sports equipment with a purchase price of $150 or less.

Sorry, folks, the website does make a point to note the exemption does not apply to trade or business purchases.

Kudos to those who arranged for the return of this opportunity for Mountain State families to save a little money on what they’ll need to give their children the best start possible to this school year.