Ohio’s tax-free holiday has a brand new look this year. Originally enacted to help Ohioans with back-to-school purchases, it now includes an expanded tax break period to aid with other substantial purchases. 

In May, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine increased the holiday to 10 days. This year’s Ohio sales tax holiday runs from midnight on Tuesday, July 30 through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8. 

Need more information? Visit the Ohio Department of Taxation’s website for frequently asked questions.

“This expanded sales tax break will help Ohio’s families with back-to-school necessities as well as other substantial purchases during a time when so many household budgets are being strained,” DeWine said in a press release. 

What can I buy during the Ohio sales-tax holiday?

Although previous sales tax holidays in Ohio were limited to school supply sales, this year’s holiday includes almost any “tangible personal property” that is $500 or less – items such as furniture, electronics, jewelry, household goods and appliances. And there is no limit to how many items you can buy. As long as each product is under $500, your total will be tax free. 

You can also dine in at a restaurant for a tax-free meal, but alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and cocktails, along with soft drinks, will still be taxed. Carry-out items won’t count, since sales tax isn’t charged on carry-out food.

A few other items are not included in the exemption: motor vehicles, tobacco, vapor products, marijuana, watercraft and outboard motors. 

Retailers cannot opt out of participating in the holiday, but the exemption does not apply to taxable services such as car repair or clothing alterations. 

Can I purchase items online? 

Qualified items can be sold by mail, telephone, e-mail and online, as long as you push the“complete purchase” button prior to the 11:59 p.m. deadline on Aug. 8. Shipping and handling is also tax-free. The items do not have to be delivered during the holiday.

Additionally, items placed on layaway during the holiday period are exempt from sales tax. 

If an item is on backorder, you must pay for it during the holiday; otherwise it will not qualify for the exemption. 

Can I use coupons?

Retailers will still accept coupons and loyalty cards according to typical policies. If a retailer offers a discount that reduces the price of an eligible item to $500 or less, the item will be tax exempt. 

What happens if I need to return or exchange an item?

If you purchase an item during the holiday, but need to exchange it for the same item after, the retailer should not charge sales tax. But items exchanged for a different purchase will be charged sales tax. 

How much money will I save?

The state sales tax in Ohio is 5.75%, and with additional local sales taxes, purchases made in Cuyahoga County are typically subject to a total 8% sales tax. So, a $450 item that would cost $486.00 with sales tax can be purchased for $450 during the holiday.