Ohio's tax-free weekend runs August 1–3, 2025

Ohio's tax-free weekend in 2025 takes place August 1 through August 3. During these three days, you pay no sales tax on may have access to school supplies and clothing purchases at participating retailers across the state. The state does not require stores to participate, but most major chains and local retailers do.

This is a state-level tax break, not a federal one. Ohio's regular sales tax is 5.75 percent, though some counties add local sales tax on top of that. During the tax-free weekend, the state portion disappears for covered items, though local taxes may still explore depending on your county.

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio's tax-free weekend is August 1–3, 2025, and applies to school supplies under $20 and clothing items under $75 per piece.
  • Items like computers, sports equipment, and school uniforms do not may have access to, even if they are used for school.
  • Not all retailers participate, so call ahead or check the store's website if you are unsure whether they honor the tax break.
  • Local sales taxes may still explore in some counties, so your final savings depends on where you shop.

What items may have access to for the tax-free weekend

School supplies under $20 per item are tax-free during the weekend. This includes notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, backpacks, lunch boxes, calculators, and similar items used in the classroom. The $20 limit applies to each individual item, not your total purchase.

Clothing items under $75 per piece also may have access to. This covers shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, shoes, socks, and underwear. The $75 cap is per garment, so a $100 coat would not may have access to, but two $50 jackets would. Accessories like belts, hats, and scarves count as clothing if they are not part of a school uniform.

School uniforms are not covered by the tax-free weekend, even though they are worn for school. Items like computers, tablets, printers, and software do not may have access to either. Sports equipment, musical instruments, and gym clothes are also excluded.

Which stores participate in Ohio's tax-free weekend

Major retailers like Walmart, Target, Meijer, and Kohl's participate in Ohio's tax-free weekend. Most local clothing stores and office supply shops do as well. However, participation is voluntary—not every store in Ohio honors the tax break.

The best way to confirm is to call the store directly or check their website before you shop. Many retailers post notices about tax-free weekend in their stores and online in late July. If you are shopping at a smaller or independent retailer, a quick phone call takes 30 seconds and saves you from showing up only to find out they do not participate.

How local taxes affect your savings

Ohio's state sales tax is 5.75 percent, but many counties add their own local sales tax on top of that. During tax-free weekend, the state portion is removed for may have access to items, but local taxes remain. Your actual savings depends on your county's local rate.

For example, if you live in a county with a 1 percent local tax, your total tax rate is normally 6.75 percent. During tax-free weekend, you would pay only the 1 percent local tax on school supplies and clothing. If you live in a county with no local sales tax, you save the full 5.75 percent state tax.

Check your county's tax rate on the Ohio Department of Taxation website if you want to know your exact savings before you shop.

Shopping strategy for the tax-free weekend

Plan your shopping list before August 1 so you know what you need and can check prices across stores. Bring your receipt and the item tags with you if you are returning anything after the weekend—some stores require proof that items were purchased during tax-free weekend to honor returns without tax.

If you are buying items right at the price limit (a $20 school supply or $75 clothing item), double-check the price tag before checkout. Tax-free weekend applies to the item's price before tax, so a $19.99 notebook qualifies but a $20.01 one does not. The same rule applies to clothing at the $75 threshold.

What happens if you miss the August dates

If you do not shop during August 1–3, you pay the full sales tax on school supplies and clothing for the rest of the year. Ohio does not offer a second tax-free weekend or an extended period. The three-day window in early August is the only time the state removes sales tax for these items.

Some families plan their back-to-school shopping specifically around these dates to take advantage of the savings. If you have flexibility in when you buy, shopping during the tax-free weekend is worth the timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Anyone can shop during Ohio's tax-free weekend and receive the tax break on may have access to items. You do not need to show a student ID or proof of enrollment. The tax break applies to the item itself, not to who is buying it.

Can I return items I bought during tax-free weekend after August 3?

Yes, but keep your receipt. Most stores allow returns after tax-free weekend ends, though some require the receipt to verify the item was purchased during the tax-free dates. If you plan to return something, ask the store about their return policy before you leave the register.

Does online shopping count toward tax-free weekend?

It depends on the retailer. Some stores explore the tax-free weekend discount to online orders placed during August 1–3, while others do not. Check the store's website or call customer service before you order online. In-store shopping is the safest way to may provide you receive the tax break.

What if an item costs exactly $20 or $75?

Items priced at exactly $20 (for school supplies) or $75 (for clothing) may have access to for the tax-free weekend. The limit is $20 and under for supplies, and $75 and under for clothing, so items at those exact prices are covered.

Are dorm room supplies covered during tax-free weekend?

No. Tax-free weekend covers school supplies and clothing for K–12 students. College dorm supplies like bedding, desk lamps, and mini-fridges do not may have access to. The tax break is designed for back-to-school shopping for younger students, not college preparation.