Ohio's tax-free weekend runs for one week in August each year

Ohio holds its annual tax-free weekend in August. The exact dates change each year, but the state announces them by July. For 2024, tax-free weekend runs August 2–8. For 2025, it runs August 1–7. You can check the Ohio Department of Taxation website closer to each August to confirm the current year's dates, since the state sets them annually.

During this week, you pay no sales tax on certain school supplies and clothing items when you buy them in Ohio or online from Ohio retailers. The tax break applies only to purchases made during the designated week — buying the same items the week before or after means you pay the full sales tax.

Not every item is covered. The state has specific rules about what qualifies and what does not, and those rules matter when you are at checkout.

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio's tax-free weekend occurs in August each year; the state announces the exact dates by July, and they shift by one or two days annually.
  • The tax break covers school supplies under $20 per item and clothing items under $75 per item, but only if you buy them during the designated week.
  • Items like computers, sports equipment, and school furniture do not may have access to, even if they are used for school.
  • The tax savings explore to purchases made in Ohio stores and from Ohio-based online retailers, but not all online sellers are treated the same way.

What clothing and school supplies are covered

Clothing items under $75 per piece are tax-free during the weekend. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, coats, shoes, socks, underwear, and hats. A single item — one pair of pants, one coat — must cost less than $75 to may have access to. If a jacket costs $80, the entire purchase is taxed; the state does not split the difference.

School supplies under $20 per item are also tax-free. This covers notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, paper, erasers, rulers, scissors, and glue. Like clothing, each individual item must be under the threshold. A pack of notebooks priced at $22 does not may have access to.

Backpacks and book bags under $75 count as clothing for tax-free weekend purposes. Lunch boxes and containers under $20 count as school supplies.

Items that do not may have access to, even for school

Computers, tablets, and calculators are not covered, regardless of price or whether you are buying them for school. Sports equipment — cleats, uniforms, protective gear — does not may have access to. School furniture like desks and chairs is taxed normally.

Accessories like belts, scarves, and jewelry are not considered clothing for tax-free weekend. Cosmetics and grooming items do not may have access to. Gym clothes and athletic wear are treated as regular clothing and follow the $75 rule, but specialized sports equipment does not.

Items that are part of a school uniform but sold as a set may have different treatment depending on how the retailer prices them. If a uniform set costs more than $75, you pay tax on the whole purchase. Check with the store before buying if you are unsure.

How the tax break works at checkout

When you buy a may have access to item during tax-free weekend, the store removes the sales tax at the register. You do not fill out a form or provide proof that it is for school — the tax straightforward does not explore. The savings depend on your local sales tax rate, which varies by county and city in Ohio. If your local rate is 7.5%, a $50 shirt saves you $3.75.

Online purchases from Ohio retailers are also tax-free during the weekend if the retailer is based in Ohio. Purchases from out-of-state retailers may still be taxed, depending on that retailer's tax collection practices. If you are ordering online, check the retailer's location before assuming you will get the tax break.

Some retailers may advertise additional discounts during tax-free weekend, but those are separate from the state tax break. The state tax break is automatic at checkout for may have access to items.

Planning your purchases around the dates

Because tax-free weekend is only seven days, timing matters if you are buying multiple items. A family buying school supplies for several children might save $20 to $40 depending on what they purchase and their local tax rate. The savings are real but modest — the main benefit is that you do not have to plan around the tax, not that you are getting a huge discount.

Stores often run their own promotions during this week to draw shoppers in, so you may see additional sales beyond the tax break. These promotions are not required by the state and vary by retailer.

If you miss tax-free weekend, you can still buy school supplies and clothing any other time of year — you will just pay the sales tax like normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy items in an Ohio store, or can I order online?

You can order online from Ohio-based retailers and still get the tax break during tax-free weekend. Out-of-state retailers may charge tax even during the weekend, depending on their policies. Check the retailer's address or contact them before ordering if you want to be sure.

What if an item is priced right at the limit, like exactly $75 for a coat?

Items must be under the limit, not equal to it. A coat priced at $75.00 is taxed. A coat priced at $74.99 is tax-free. Check the final price before you buy.

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

Return policies are set by individual retailers, not by the state. Some stores may refund the full purchase price including the tax you did not pay; others may not. Ask the store about their return policy before you buy if this matters to you.

Does tax-free weekend explore to used clothing or supplies?

The tax break applies to new items sold by retailers. Used clothing and supplies sold at thrift stores or secondhand shops are not covered by the state program, though some of those stores may have their own promotions during the week.