Ohio's tax-free holiday runs for eight days in early August each year

Ohio's tax-free holiday typically starts on the first Friday in August and runs through the following Sunday — that's eight consecutive days. In 2024, the holiday runs from August 2 through August 11. The state legislature sets the exact dates each year, so the window shifts slightly depending on the calendar.

During these eight days, you pay no sales tax on most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and computers under certain price limits. The tax break applies only to items you buy in Ohio or from Ohio retailers, not to online purchases from out-of-state sellers (though some retailers choose to honor it anyway).

After the final Sunday ends, regular sales tax resumes the next day. There is no grace period — if you buy on Monday morning after the holiday closes, you pay tax.

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio's tax-free holiday lasts eight days starting the first Friday in August and ending the following Sunday.
  • The holiday covers clothing, footwear, school supplies, and computers, but each category has price limits that exclude expensive items.
  • Items over the price cap — like a $150 winter coat or a $2,000 laptop — are taxed even during the holiday.
  • The tax break applies only to purchases made in Ohio or from Ohio-based retailers; online orders from out-of-state companies are usually taxed normally.

What items are actually tax-free during the eight days

Clothing and footwear under $75 per item are tax-free. This includes shirts, pants, shoes, socks, hats, belts, and jackets — but a single coat or pair of boots that costs $75 or more is taxed. The price limit applies to each individual item, not your total purchase.

School supplies under $20 per item are tax-free. Notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, backpacks, and calculators all count, as long as each item costs less than $20. A $25 backpack gets taxed; a $19 one does not.

Computers and computer equipment under $750 are tax-free. This includes laptops, tablets, keyboards, and mice. A $700 laptop qualifies; a $800 one does not. Printers and monitors are not included in the tax-free category.

Items that are never tax-free during the holiday include furniture, sports equipment, toys, games, electronics like phones or headphones, and anything sold for use in a business. Clothing worn for work (like uniforms or safety gear) is also taxed.

How to know if a specific item qualifies

Check the price tag first. If the item costs more than the limit for its category, it will be taxed regardless of the holiday. If it's under the limit, the next step is confirming the item itself qualifies — not everything that looks like clothing or school supplies counts.

Items with a primarily decorative or costume purpose are taxed. A Halloween costume, even if it costs $30, is taxed. A regular winter coat is not. Accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats are tax-free, but jewelry and watches are taxed.

When you're at the register, the cashier's system should automatically remove tax from may have access to items. If you're charged tax on something you believe qualifies, ask the cashier to verify the item code — sometimes items are miscoded in the register. You can also contact the Ohio Department of Taxation before you shop if you're unsure about a specific product.

When the holiday ends and tax returns

The holiday ends at the close of business on the final Sunday. Any purchase made on Monday morning is subject to the full sales tax rate. Ohio's state sales tax is 5.75 percent, though many counties add a local sales tax on top of that, bringing the total to 6 percent or higher depending on where you shop.

If you're buying in bulk for back-to-school or other purposes, timing your purchase before the final Sunday saves you money. A $200 school supply order during the holiday saves you roughly $12 in tax (at the state rate alone), and more if your county has additional local tax.

The holiday does not extend into September or carry over to the next year. If you miss the August window, you'll pay tax on the same items in September and beyond.

Where the tax-free holiday applies and where it doesn't

The tax break applies to purchases made in Ohio stores and from Ohio-based online retailers. If you buy from an out-of-state website like Amazon or Target.com, the retailer is not required to honor Ohio's tax-free holiday — they typically charge tax based on their own state's rules or where they ship from.

Some large national retailers choose to honor Ohio's tax-free holiday on their websites during the eight-day window, but this is voluntary. Before you order online, check the retailer's policy or contact their customer service to confirm whether they're removing tax for Ohio addresses.

In-store purchases at national chains operating in Ohio (like Walmart, Target, or Meijer) will have tax removed at checkout if the item qualifies. The store's register system is programmed to recognize the holiday dates and item categories.

Planning your shopping around the August dates

Mark the first Friday in August on your calendar each year. The exact dates shift because they're tied to the calendar, not a fixed date. If you have children heading back to school or need to replace clothing, the eight-day window is the time to shop.

Make a list of what you need before the holiday starts. School supply lists from your child's school often arrive in late July, giving you time to plan. Knowing what you need helps you avoid impulse purchases and makes sure you're buying items that actually may have access to.

If you're buying for multiple children or stocking up on basics, the savings add up quickly. A family buying $300 worth of may have access to clothing and school supplies saves roughly $18 in state tax alone during the holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return items I bought during the tax-free holiday and get the tax refunded if I bought them after the holiday ended?

No. The tax status is determined by when you purchased the item, not when you return it. If you bought something after the holiday ended and paid tax, returning it does not change that you paid tax at the time of purchase. The refund you receive is based on the original receipt.

Do online orders placed during the holiday but delivered after it ends get the tax break?

It depends on the retailer. Some process the tax break based on the order date; others base it on the delivery date. Check the retailer's policy before ordering, or contact their customer service to confirm. Ohio-based retailers are more likely to honor the order date.

Are school uniforms tax-free during the holiday?

No. School uniforms and work clothing are specifically excluded from the tax-free holiday, even if they cost under $75. Regular clothing that happens to be worn to school is tax-free, but uniforms required by a school or employer are taxed.

What if I buy something that qualifies but the cashier charges me tax by mistake?

Ask the cashier to verify the item code in the register system. If the item truly qualifies and the register is working correctly, the tax should be removed. If there's a dispute, ask to speak with a manager. Keep your receipt in case you need to contact the store later about a refund.

Does the tax-free holiday explore to used clothing or items bought at thrift stores?

Yes, as long as the thrift store is located in Ohio and the item meets the price and category requirements. A $40 used winter coat from a thrift store is tax-free during the holiday, just like a new one from a department store.