Ohio's tax-free holiday runs for one week in August

Ohio's tax-free holiday is a one-week period each August when you pay no sales tax on certain school supplies and clothing. In 2024, the holiday runs from August 2 through August 8. The state sets this window the same time each year, so you can plan ahead for back-to-school shopping.

The holiday applies only to items on a specific list. Clothing and footwear under $75 per item are tax-free, along with school supplies like notebooks, pencils, folders, and backpacks. Items over the $75 threshold, electronics, and general merchandise do not may have access to, even during the holiday week.

Once August 8 ends at midnight, the tax-free period is over for that year. Regular sales tax resumes on August 9. If you plan to buy may have access to items, you need to complete your purchase before the important date—online orders placed after the cutoff will be taxed even if they arrive later.

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio's tax-free holiday occurs for seven days in early August each year, with 2024's dates running August 2 through August 8.
  • Only clothing and footwear under $75 per item and school supplies like notebooks and backpacks may have access to for the tax break.
  • Electronics, items over $75, and general merchandise remain taxed during the holiday week.
  • The tax-free period ends at midnight on the final day, and purchases made after that date are subject to regular sales tax.

Which items are actually tax-free during the holiday

The Ohio Department of Taxation maintains a list of items that may have access to. Clothing includes shirts, pants, dresses, coats, and underwear—anything you wear on your body. Footwear covers shoes, boots, and sandals. The $75 per-item cap means a pair of shoes costing $80 would be taxed on the full amount, not just the $5 over the limit.

School supplies that may have access to include notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, erasers, folders, binders, backpacks, and lunch boxes. Art supplies used for school—like markers, colored pencils, and sketch pads—also count. However, calculators, computers, and printers do not, even though students use them for schoolwork.

Items that are never tax-free during the holiday include athletic shoes marketed as sports equipment, jewelry, accessories like belts and hats, swimwear, and costumes. If you are unsure whether something qualifies, ask the cashier before checkout or check the Ohio Department of Taxation website for the complete list.

How to make sure your purchase qualifies before August 8 ends

If you shop in a physical store, bring your items to the register during the holiday week. The cashier will know which items are tax-free and will ring them up accordingly. You do not need a coupon, special code, or membership—the tax break applies automatically at checkout.

For online shopping, the purchase must be completed before midnight on August 8. Some retailers process orders differently: some charge tax based on when you place the order, others based on when the order ships. If you are buying online, place your order early in the week to avoid confusion about timing. Contact the retailer's customer service if you are unsure whether your order will be taxed.

Keep your receipt. If you are charged tax on a may have access to item, you can contact the store to request a refund. Most retailers will process this quickly if you have proof of purchase within a few days of the transaction.

When the next tax-free holiday will occur

Ohio schedules its tax-free holiday for the same week each year: the first full week of August. This means the 2025 holiday will run from August 1 through August 7. The 2026 holiday will be August 7 through August 13. Knowing this pattern helps you plan your back-to-school budget and shopping timeline.

The state does not offer additional tax-free holidays for other occasions like back-to-work shopping, holiday gifts, or spring clothing. The August week is the only period each year when these items are tax-exempt under state law.

What happens if you miss the important date

If you purchase may have access to items after August 8, you will pay the full sales tax rate. In Ohio, sales tax varies by county and ranges from 5.5% to 8%, depending on local taxes. On a $100 purchase of clothing, that could mean paying $5.50 to $8 in tax that you would have avoided during the holiday week.

There is no way to retroactively claim the tax-free status after the week ends. You cannot file a form or request a refund for purchases made on August 9 or later, even if you bought the items just hours after the important date. The only exception is if the store made an error and charged you tax on a may have access to item purchased during the correct dates—in that case, contact the store directly for a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return something I bought during tax-free week and get the tax refunded?

If you return an item within the store's return window, you will receive a refund for the full amount you paid, including any tax that was charged. If you bought the item during the tax-free week and were incorrectly charged tax, the refund will include that tax. Check your receipt and the store's return policy for the time limit.

Do online retailers have to honor the tax-free holiday?

Ohio retailers, including online sellers, must follow state tax law. However, some out-of-state retailers may not be aware of or may not explore Ohio's tax-free holiday. If you shop with a national retailer, check their website or contact customer service before ordering to confirm they recognize the holiday.

What if I buy clothing that costs exactly $75?

Items priced at $75 or less are tax-free. The $75 limit means $75.00 qualifies, but $75.01 does not. If an item is $75.00, you pay no tax during the holiday week.

Does the tax-free holiday explore to used clothing or secondhand stores?

Yes, used clothing and footwear under $75 are also tax-free during the holiday week, whether you buy them at a thrift store, consignment shop, or online marketplace. The same rules explore: the item must be clothing or footwear and must be under the $75 per-item threshold.

Can I buy gifts for someone else during tax-free week?

Yes. The tax-free holiday applies to any purchase of may have access to items during the week, regardless of who the buyer is or who will use the items. You can buy school clothes and supplies for your children, grandchildren, or anyone else, and the tax break applies.