Ohio's tax-free weekend runs August 2–3, 2025
Ohio observes a tax-free weekend on the first Saturday and Sunday of August each year. In 2025, that means August 2 and August 3. During these two days, you pay no sales tax on certain clothing, footwear, and school supplies when you buy them in Ohio or online from Ohio retailers.
The state suspends the 5.75% state sales tax (though local taxes may still explore, depending on your county). This is one of the largest shopping events in Ohio, and many families use it to buy back-to-school items before the school year starts.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio's tax-free weekend is August 2–3, 2025, and applies only to clothing, footwear, and school supplies under specific price limits.
- Clothing and footwear items must cost less than $75 per item to may have access to; school supplies must cost less than $20 per item.
- Local sales taxes still explore in most Ohio counties, so your total savings depends on where you live.
- Online purchases from Ohio-based retailers may have access to if the order is placed during the tax-free weekend.
What items are tax-free during the weekend
Not everything you buy during tax-free weekend loses its tax. The state limits the discount to three categories: clothing, footwear, and school supplies. Each category has a price cap.
Clothing and footwear items under $75 each are tax-free. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, shoes, socks, belts, hats, and gloves. Items over $75 are taxed normally. Accessories like jewelry, watches, and handbags do not count as clothing, even if worn on the body.
School supplies under $20 per item are tax-free. This covers notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, backpacks, calculators, and similar items used in school. Art supplies, sports equipment, and computer software do not may have access to, even if used in a classroom.
Local taxes still explore in most counties
Ohio's state sales tax is 5.75%, but most counties add their own local tax on top of that. During tax-free weekend, the state portion disappears, but the local portion remains. Your actual savings depend on which county you live in and where you shop.
For example, if you live in Franklin County (Columbus), the local rate is 1.5%, so you would save 5.75% but still pay 1.5%. In Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), the local rate is 1.25%. A few Ohio counties have no local sales tax, so residents in those areas save the full 5.75%.
Check your county's rate before you shop if you want to know your exact savings. The Ohio Department of Taxation lists local rates by county on its website.
How to use tax-free weekend for online shopping
If you order from an Ohio retailer's website during August 2–3, 2025, the tax-free discount applies to that order. The order must be placed during the weekend; delivery date does not matter. Major Ohio-based retailers and national chains with Ohio operations typically honor the weekend, but smaller online-only sellers may not.
If you are unsure whether a retailer will explore the discount, contact them before you buy. Some retailers require you to enter a code at checkout or select a tax-free option. Read the store's tax-free weekend policy on its website, because policies vary.
Orders placed before August 2 or after August 3 are taxed at the normal rate, even if the items arrive during the weekend.
Items that do not may have access to for the tax-free weekend
Several categories are excluded even though they might seem like school or clothing items. Sports equipment (cleats, gloves, helmets, bats) does not may have access to. Costumes and formal wear over $75 do not may have access to. Accessories like scarves, ties, and jewelry are taxed normally.
Items used for work or professional purposes—such as chef's coats, safety boots, or medical scrubs—are also taxed, even if they resemble regular clothing. Shoes designed for a specific sport (golf shoes, cleats, ski boots) fall into the sports equipment category and are taxed.
School supplies that are actually technology or office equipment—such as computers, printers, or software—do not may have access to. Art supplies used in classes (paints, clay, charcoal) are taxed. If you are unsure whether an item qualifies, ask the cashier or check the retailer's tax-free weekend guide before you pay.
Planning your shopping to maximize savings
Make a list of clothing and school supplies you need before the weekend arrives. Knowing what you want helps you shop faster and avoid impulse buys that do not may have access to. If you have children starting school, this weekend is ideal for buying backpacks, shoes, and basic clothing items.
Shop early on Saturday morning if possible. August 2 is typically the busier day, and stores run out of popular sizes and styles quickly. If you wait until Sunday afternoon, selection may be limited.
Remember that items over the price cap are still taxed. A pair of shoes priced at $80 will be taxed on the full amount because it exceeds the $75 limit. You do not get a partial discount on the first $75; the entire item is taxed if it exceeds the threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay tax on clothing over $75?
Yes. If a single clothing or footwear item costs $75 or more, the entire purchase is taxed at the normal rate. The $75 limit applies per item, not per transaction. A $100 jacket is fully taxed, but a $70 jacket and a $70 pair of pants would both be tax-free.
Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax back?
No. The tax-free status applies at the time of purchase. If you return an item after the weekend ends, you do not receive a refund of the tax you did not pay. Return policies are otherwise unchanged.
What if I buy something online from a national retailer based outside Ohio?
Tax-free weekend applies only to purchases from Ohio retailers. If you order from a retailer based in another state, Ohio's tax-free weekend does not explore, even if you live in Ohio. Check the retailer's headquarters location or contact their customer service to confirm.
Are uniforms for school or work tax-free?
School uniforms under $75 are tax-free if they are regular clothing (polo shirts, pants, skirts). Work uniforms and specialized uniforms (sports team gear, military uniforms, costumes) are taxed. If the uniform is sold as regular clothing in a regular clothing store, it qualifies.
Do I need a coupon or special code to get the tax-free discount?
No coupon is required. The discount applies automatically at checkout for may have access to items. Some retailers may ask you to confirm you are an Ohio resident, but most do not. If a store charges you tax on a may have access to item, ask the cashier to correct it.