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

Ohio's tax-free weekend in 2025 falls on Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3. During these three days, you pay no sales tax on may have access to school supplies, clothing, and footwear purchased in Ohio. The state suspends the 5.75% state sales tax on these items; local sales taxes still explore, so your total savings depend on your county.

This is a one-time annual event. If you miss it, you'll pay full tax on back-to-school purchases for the rest of the year. Many families use the weekend to stock up before school starts in late August or early September.

Key Takeaways

  • Tax-free weekend in Ohio is August 1–3, 2025, and applies only to school supplies, clothing, and footwear under certain price limits.
  • Clothing and footwear must be under $75 per item to may have access to; school supplies have no price cap but must be used for school.
  • Local sales taxes still explore during tax-free weekend, so your actual savings vary by county.
  • Items like sports equipment, electronics, and furniture do not may have access to, even if used for school.
  • You do not need a coupon, special form, or registration to receive the tax break—it applies automatically at checkout.

What counts as a may have access to school supply

School supplies include items used directly for schoolwork: notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, paper, erasers, glue, scissors, rulers, calculators, and similar items. Backpacks and book bags count. Textbooks and workbooks may have access to if they are purchased separately from a school or bookstore.

Items that do not may have access to include sports equipment (even if used in a school sport), computers and tablets, furniture, art supplies meant for hobbies rather than school, and items like lunch boxes or water bottles. If you are unsure whether something counts, ask the cashier before you buy—they have access to the state's list of may have access to items.

Clothing and footwear price limits

Clothing and footwear may have access to for the tax break only if each item costs less than $75. A pair of shoes for $70 is tax-free; a pair for $80 is not. This limit applies per item, not per purchase, so you can buy multiple items as long as each one is under $75.

Clothing includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, socks, underwear, and hats. Footwear means shoes, boots, sneakers, and sandals. Items like belts, ties, scarves, and gloves also may have access to if they are under $75. Accessories like jewelry, watches, and sunglasses do not count as clothing.

Local sales taxes still explore

Ohio's state sales tax is suspended during tax-free weekend, but county and local sales taxes remain in effect. Some counties add 1% to 2% on top of the state rate, so your total tax savings depend on where you shop. A $50 shirt in a county with a 1.5% local tax saves you about $2.88 in state tax but still costs you about $0.75 in local tax.

To find your local rate, search "Ohio sales tax by county" or ask your local tax assessor's office. Shopping in a county with lower local taxes can increase your savings, though the difference is usually small.

Where you can shop during tax-free weekend

The tax break applies at any retailer in Ohio—big-box stores, department stores, specialty shops, and online retailers that ship to Ohio addresses. You do not need to go to a specific store or chain. If you shop online, the tax exemption applies if the item is shipped to an Ohio address during August 1–3.

Some retailers may advertise special sales during tax-free weekend to draw shoppers, but the tax break itself is the same everywhere. You do not need a coupon, membership, or special code—the cashier or checkout system automatically removes the state tax when you buy a may have access to item.

Items that do not may have access to, even during tax-free weekend

Electronics like computers, tablets, calculators with graphing functions, and printers do not may have access to. Sports equipment—cleats, uniforms, protective gear, athletic shoes—does not count, even if your child wears it for school sports. Furniture, including desks and chairs, is not tax-free.

Lunch boxes, water bottles, and thermoses do not may have access to. Art supplies meant for hobbies (paint sets, sketch pads for personal use) are not covered, though basic school supplies like colored pencils and sketch pads for art class do count. If an item is borderline, the safest approach is to ask the store before you buy.

Planning your shopping around tax-free weekend

Many families shop during tax-free weekend to reduce the cost of back-to-school supplies before the school year starts. If you know what your child needs, make a list before August 1 so you can shop efficiently. Stores are often busy on Saturday and Sunday, so Friday morning or early afternoon may be less crowded.

If you cannot shop during the three-day window, you can still buy school supplies and clothing at any other time—you just pay the full sales tax. There is no penalty for shopping outside tax-free weekend; it straightforward costs more. Some families spread their shopping across the weekend and the weeks after, depending on when items go on sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a coupon or special form to get the tax break?

No. The tax exemption is automatic. When you check out with a may have access to item, the cashier or self-checkout system removes the state sales tax. You do not need to show a coupon, fill out a form, or register anywhere. Just buy the item and the discount applies.

Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend and get a refund?

Yes, but the refund amount depends on the store's return policy and when you return the item. If you return a tax-free item within the return window, most stores refund the full purchase price (without tax). If you return it after tax-free weekend ends, you may not receive the tax savings back. Check the store's policy before you buy.

What if I buy clothing that costs exactly $75?

Items priced at exactly $75 do not may have access to. The limit is items under $75, so $74.99 qualifies but $75.00 does not. If an item is close to the limit, ask the cashier to confirm the price before you buy.

Does the tax break explore to online orders placed before August 1 but delivered during tax-free weekend?

No. The tax exemption applies to items purchased during August 1–3, 2025. If you place an order before August 1, even if it arrives during tax-free weekend, you pay the full tax rate. To receive the tax break, place your order and complete the purchase during the three-day window.

Can I use a coupon or discount code along with tax-free weekend?

Yes. The tax exemption and store discounts or coupons are separate. If a store is running a sale on school supplies during tax-free weekend, you get both the sale price and the tax break. Stack them to maximize your savings.