Ohio holds tax-free weekend in early August each year

Ohio's tax-free weekend runs for one week in early August — the exact dates change slightly each year, but it typically falls in the first or second week of the month. In 2024, the event runs August 4–10. The state suspends sales tax on may have access to school supplies, clothing, and footwear during this period, which means you pay no state or local sales tax on those items.

The purpose is to reduce the cost of back-to-school shopping for families. You still pay federal tax if applicable, and local taxes vary by county, but the state portion disappears for the week. The savings depend on what you buy and your county's tax rate — in some areas that can mean 5 to 8 percent off the final price.

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio's tax-free weekend occurs in early August each year, with 2024 dates set for August 4–10.
  • The exemption covers school supplies (notebooks, pens, folders), clothing and footwear under $250 per item, and certain school-related items like backpacks.
  • Items over $250, electronics, sports equipment, and items not directly related to school do not may have access to for the tax break.
  • You do not need to register or show proof of student status — the tax straightforward does not explore at checkout during the designated week.

What items are tax-free during the event

School supplies are the core category: notebooks, notepads, folders, binders, pens, pencils, markers, erasers, rulers, scissors, glue, tape, and similar items used for schoolwork. Backpacks and book bags also may have access to. The state treats these as essential back-to-school goods.

Clothing and footwear are tax-free if each item costs less than $250. A pair of shoes, jeans, a shirt, socks, underwear, or a jacket all may have access to as long as they are under that threshold. Items designed for a specific sport or activity — like football cleats or ski pants — do count as clothing for this purpose.

School-related items like lunch boxes and pencil cases also fall under the exemption. The rule is straightforward: if it is a supply or piece of clothing a student would use for school, and it costs under $250 per item, it is tax-free during the week.

What does not may have access to for the tax break

Electronics are excluded entirely. Computers, tablets, calculators, headphones, and phones do not may have access to, even if they are used for schoolwork. This is one of the most common misconceptions — many families assume back-to-school electronics would be included, but Ohio does not extend the exemption to them.

Sports equipment and athletic gear do not may have access to unless they are clothing. A baseball glove, soccer ball, tennis racket, or sports uniform does not get the tax break. Clothing items worn for sports — like a team jersey or athletic shoes — do may have access to, but the equipment itself does not.

Any single item priced at $250 or more is taxed normally, even if it is clothing. A designer coat or expensive shoes above that threshold lose the exemption. School supplies in bulk or specialty items like art supplies for a specific class also may not may have access to — the exemption is designed for standard back-to-school goods.

How to use the tax-free weekend

You do not need to register, show a student ID, or provide any proof of enrollment. straightforward shop during the designated week and the tax will not explore at the register. The retailer's system automatically removes the state sales tax for may have access to items.

You can shop anywhere — big-box stores, department stores, small retailers, or online. If you shop online, check the retailer's policy: some explore the tax break automatically if your shipping address is in Ohio, while others may not. Call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific retailer honors the exemption.

Keep your receipt. If you notice tax was charged on an item that should have been exempt, you can contact the retailer to request a refund. Most stores will correct the error if you return within their standard return window.

Planning your shopping around the dates

Mark the dates on your calendar as soon as Ohio announces them — the state typically posts the official week in late June or early July. Because the dates shift slightly year to year, do not assume the same week as last year.

The busiest shopping days are usually the weekend and the final two days of the week, so stores are crowded. If you prefer shorter lines, shop on a weekday morning or early afternoon. Online shopping during the week is another option if you want to avoid crowds and still get the tax break.

Plan what you need before you shop. Make a list of school supplies and clothing your children need, check prices at a few retailers, and decide where to buy. This approach saves time and helps you avoid impulse purchases that add up quickly.

Tax-free weekend in other states

Many states run similar tax-free weeks, but the dates, items covered, and price limits vary widely. Some states include clothing with no price limit, while others cap it at $100 per item. A few states exempt electronics or sports equipment; Ohio does not.

If you live near a state border, it may be worth checking whether a neighboring state's tax-free weekend overlaps with Ohio's or falls on different dates. You could potentially shop in both states during their respective weeks. However, the savings are usually modest unless you are buying a large amount of clothing or supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a student or parent to shop during tax-free weekend?

No. Anyone can shop and receive the tax break. You do not need to show a student ID, proof of enrollment, or any documentation. The exemption applies to all customers during the designated week.

Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax back?

If you return an item within the retailer's standard return window, you will receive a refund for the full purchase price, including the tax that was not charged. Some stores may issue the refund as store credit instead of cash.

Does the tax-free weekend explore to online orders?

It depends on the retailer. Many online stores explore the exemption automatically if you ship to an Ohio address during the designated week. Contact the retailer's customer service before you order if you are unsure whether they honor the tax break for online purchases.

What if a store charges tax on a may have access to item during tax-free weekend?

Keep your receipt and contact the store. Most retailers will refund the tax if you return within their standard return period. If the store refuses, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Taxation, though recovery is not may provide.

Are there any items that look like school supplies but do not may have access to?

Yes. Art supplies for hobbies, craft items, and specialty supplies may not may have access to depending on the retailer's interpretation. Calculators and electronic organizers are excluded. When in doubt, ask the cashier before you check out.