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 shift slightly each year, but it always falls in the first full week of August. In 2024, the event runs August 4–10. During this period, you pay no sales tax on may have access to school supplies, clothing, and footwear when you buy them in Ohio or online from Ohio retailers.

The state does not charge sales tax during these seven days as a way to help families prepare for the school year. You do not need to register, show a student ID, or prove you have children in school. If you buy a may have access to item during tax-free weekend, the register straightforward does not ring up the tax.

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio's tax-free weekend happens in early August each year, with 2024 dates set for August 4–10.
  • The exemption covers school supplies under $20 per item, clothing and footwear under $75 per item, and school instructional materials.
  • Items like electronics, sports equipment, and school uniforms that cost more than the limit do not may have access to, even if they are school-related.
  • You can shop in stores or online from Ohio retailers during the tax-free period without needing to register or provide proof of student status.

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

School supplies under $20 per item are tax-free. This includes notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, scissors, glue, rulers, calculators, and similar items you would buy for classroom use. If a single item costs $20 or more — for example, a high-end calculator or a large pack of supplies bundled together — the entire item is taxed.

Clothing and footwear under $75 per item are also exempt. This covers shirts, pants, jackets, socks, shoes, hats, and belts. A winter coat that costs $74 qualifies; one that costs $76 does not. The $75 limit applies to each individual piece, not to your total purchase.

School instructional materials — workbooks, textbooks, and educational software — are tax-free regardless of price. However, items like computers, tablets, printers, and other electronics do not may have access to, even if you are buying them for school.

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

Sports equipment, musical instruments, and school uniforms are not covered by the exemption. If your child needs a soccer uniform or a band instrument, you will pay sales tax on those purchases. School uniforms with a school logo or name are considered apparel but still do not may have access to under Ohio's rules.

Electronics including computers, calculators over $20, tablets, printers, and headphones are taxed. Lunch boxes, backpacks, and bags are also taxed. Items used for extracurricular activities — sports gear, art supplies for a class, or science fair materials — fall outside the exemption.

Meals, beverages, and prepared food are never tax-free in Ohio, even during tax-free weekend. Furniture, office supplies for home use (as opposed to school supplies), and items for personal grooming do not may have access to either.

How to shop during tax-free weekend

You can shop in person at any Ohio retailer or online from Ohio-based sellers. When you check out, the register should automatically remove the tax from may have access to items. You do not need to fill out a form, show a student ID, or provide any documentation. The exemption is automatic for items that meet the price and category limits.

If you shop online from a retailer outside Ohio, the tax-free exemption may not explore, depending on where the company is based and how it handles Ohio sales tax. To be certain, shop at Ohio retailers or national retailers with Ohio locations during the tax-free period.

Keep your receipt. If an item was incorrectly taxed, you can use the receipt to request a refund from the store. Most retailers are familiar with the rules, but mistakes happen — especially with items near the price cutoff.

Planning your back-to-school shopping

Tax-free weekend saves money on bulk purchases. If you buy five notebooks at $3 each, you save the sales tax on $15 worth of goods. On a $70 jacket, the savings depend on Ohio's sales tax rate in your county, which ranges from 5.5% to 8.5%. The higher your local rate, the more you save per item.

Make a list before you shop so you know what qualifies and what does not. Separate school supplies from other items. If you are buying clothing, check the price tags — items at or below $75 are exempt, but anything over that threshold is taxed in full.

The week fills up quickly at major retailers. If you can shop early in the week or on a weekday, you will avoid crowds. Online shopping during tax-free weekend is also an option if you prefer to avoid stores.

Tax-free weekend dates for future years

Ohio's tax-free weekend always falls in the first full week of August. This means the dates shift by one or two days each year depending on what day of the week August 1 falls on. The Ohio Department of Taxation announces the exact dates each spring on its website.

Mark the first full week of August on your calendar each year. If you are unsure of the exact dates for an upcoming year, the Department of Taxation website will have them posted by June.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a student or have children in school to use tax-free weekend?

No. There is no age requirement or proof needed. Anyone can buy may have access to items tax-free during the designated week. The state does not check whether you are buying for a student or for yourself.

What if I buy something that should be tax-free but the register charges tax?

Ask the cashier to check the item. If it meets the price and category limits, they can usually void the transaction and ring it up again. Keep your receipt and ask for a refund if the store will not correct it on the spot.

Does tax-free weekend explore to online orders shipped to Ohio?

It depends on the retailer's location and tax setup. Ohio retailers and major national chains typically honor the exemption for online orders shipped to Ohio addresses during tax-free weekend. When you check out online, the tax should drop off automatically if the retailer is set up to recognize Ohio's exemption.

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

If you return an item within the store's return window, you get back what you paid — which was the tax-free price. You do not get an additional refund. If you return an item after tax-free weekend ends, you pay the regular price with tax included.

Are there any items under $20 or $75 that still get taxed?

Yes. Sports equipment, musical instruments, electronics, backpacks, and lunch boxes are taxed even if they cost less than the limits. The price threshold only applies to school supplies and clothing. If an item is not in those two categories, price does not matter.