Ohio’s tax-free holiday is changing again this year, with additional days bringing it to two full weeks in duration. Originally enacted to help Ohioans with back-to-school purchases, it now includes an expanded tax break period to aid with other substantial purchases.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday that this year’s Ohio sales tax holiday will run from midnight on Friday, Aug. 1 through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14.
“The timing of this year’s sales tax holiday not only supports families preparing for back-to-school, but also provides relief on other important household needs,” DeWine said in a press release.
What can I buy during the Ohio sales-tax holiday?
Although originally 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.
Examples of tax-exempt items
- Electronics: Computers, televisions, and other gadgets
- Clothing: Any apparel items
- Books: All types, including novels and textbooks
- Home Goods: Furniture, kitchenware, and home décor
- Plants: Indoor and outdoor plants
- Sporting Goods: Equipment and apparel for sports
- Food and Beverages: Dine-in food, dietary supplements, and soft drinks
These are just examples provided by Ohio’s Department of Taxation. Many other items will also be exempt from sales tax during this period.
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, delivery and drive-thru orders are still subject to sales tax (not all food items are taxed on carry out).
Need more information? Visit the Ohio Department of Taxation’s website for frequently asked questions.
Examples of exclusions, or items that will still be taxed:
- Watercraft or outboard motors
- Motor vehicles
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vapor products
- Items containing marijuana
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. 14. 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 Summit County are typically subject to a total 6.75% sales tax. So, a $450 item that would cost $480.38 with sales tax can be purchased for $450 during the holiday.
Help for businesses (including restaurants)
During last year’s sales tax holiday, many restaurants were caught by surprise that they were not supposed to be charging sales tax on dine-in food purchases, given it was the first time they were included in the holiday.
If you are a business owner and have questions, the Ohio Department of Taxation says you should contact them at 1-888-405-4039 to receive assistance.
If you’re using text telephones (TTY) or adaptive equipment, call 1-800-750-0750 to speak with a representative.