Ohio Sales Tax Holiday is Aug. 4-6, 2023. Shop tax-free all weekend for clothes and school supplies!
When is the 2023 Ohio Sales Tax Holiday?
What items are tax-free during the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday?
What items are not included in the Ohio Sales tax holiday?
The Ohio Sales Tax Holiday is a three-day event that exempts certain retail items from sales and use of tax when purchased in Ohio. There is no limit on the total purchase if the per-item caps are observed. However, of course, with this excitement comes rules and regulations. Here are some pointers to help you navigate the rules and save money.
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BBB Tip: Get dressed, it’s time to go back to school offers the following tips when school shopping: research big-ticket items, shop during the sales tax holiday, ask for student discounts, consider buying in bulk, and shop safely online.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday?
The Ohio Sales Tax holiday starts on Friday, August 4, 2023, at midnight and ends on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. There is no limit on the total purchase if the per-item caps are observed.
During the Ohio sales tax holiday, shoppers can indulge in some retail therapy without the burden of additional taxes. This annual weekend allows you to grab some fun clothes without sales tax. Whether you’re looking for denim, fleece, blouses, pants, or long sleeves, there’s something for everyone. The options are endless, from trendy Polo shirts to classic Men’s wear. These purchases are non-taxable, helping shoppers save. So, mark your calendars for Ohio’s tax-free shopping weekend.
What items are exempt (free from sales and tax) during the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday?
- Item of clothing priced at $75 or less.
- School supplies priced at $20 or less.
- School instructional materials priced at $20 or less.
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What clothing items are exempt (free from sales and tax) during the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday?
- Shirts, blouses, sweaters
- Pants, shorts, skirts
- Dresses
- Uniforms (athletic and nonathletic)
- Shoes and shoelaces, insoles, sneakers, sandals, boots, overshoes, slippers, steel-toed shoes
- Underwear
- Socks
- Stockings, hosiery, pantyhose, foot lets
- Coats and jackets, rainwear, gloves and mittens for typical use, hats and caps, earmuffs
- Belts and suspenders, neckties
- Scarves
- Aprons (household and shop)
- Lab coats
- Athletic supporters
- Bathing suits and caps, beach capes and coats
- Costumes
- Baby receiving blankets, diapers for children and adults, including disposable diapers and rubber pants.
- Garters and garter belts, girdles, formal wear, and wedding apparel.
What school items are exempt (free from sales and tax) during the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday?
- Binders
- Bookbags
- Calculators
- Cellophane tape
- Blackboard chalk
- Compasses
- Composition books
- Crayons
- Erasers
- Folders (expandable, pocket, plastic, and manila)
- Glue, paste, and paste sticks
- Highlighters
- Index cards and index card boxes
- Legal pads
- Lunchboxes
- Markers
- Notebooks, paper, loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper
- Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes; pencil sharpeners; pencils; pens; protractors
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Writing tablets
*School supplies do not include any item purchased for use in a trade or business.
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Can businesses choose not to participate in the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday?
No. Participation is required by law.
Can multiple items be purchased simultaneously and still be tax-exempt during the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday?
Multiple items under $75 can be purchased simultaneously and still be exempt from sales and the use of tax. For example, if you purchase three shirts and two pairs of pants, all for $50 each, you will not be charged any tax. Therefore, the exemption of tax is determined item by item. Not by the total purchase.
What items DO NOT qualify for the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday?
- Protective equipment (breathing masks, face shields, protective gloves, etc.)
- Sports and recreational equipment
- Accessories (briefcases; cosmetics; hair notions, including, but not limited to, barrettes, hair bows, and hair nets; handbags; handkerchiefs; jewelry; sunglasses (non-prescription); umbrellas; wallets; watches; and wigs and hairpieces)
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Can “Buy One, Get One Free” items qualify for the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday?
The total price of items advertised as buy one, get one free, or buy one for a reduced price cannot be averaged to qualify both items for the exemption. In addition, the exemption depends on the price paid for each item. For example, if a consumer buys one clothing item for $80 and receives another for free, the purchase would be subject to sales tax.
During the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday, are online, mail, and telephone items/orders exempt (free from sales and tax)?
Qualified items sold to consumers by mail, telephone, email, or Internet shall qualify for the sales tax exemption if the consumer orders and pays for the item and the retailer accepts the order during the exemption period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the exemption period. However, if the order and payment were made before the sales tax holiday, it would not qualify for the exemption even if the item was delivered during the sales tax holiday. In addition, if an item is back-ordered and payment does not occur until a later shipment, the item would not qualify for the exemption.
Cincinnati Black-owned retail clothing stores that you can shop at during the Ohio Sales Tax Holiday
During the Sales Tax Holiday, you can shop at plenty of Black-owned retail stores. Shop now at these Black-owned apparel retail businesses. Find tops, workwear, denim, outerwear, hoodies/sweatshirts, and more.
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The intention of the sales tax holiday, recently made permanent by the Ohio legislature, is to boost sales while also giving taxpayers a break on back-to-school items such as pens, notebooks, jeans, and shoes. For more information, tips, questions, and a list of non-qualifying items, visit Ohio Sales Tax Holiday Frequently Asked Questions. In addition, you can also request more information through email or call 888-405-4039.
Take advantage of the Sales Tax Holiday and upgrade your wardrobe. Treat yourself to some new footwear, short-sleeve shirts, leggings, and long-sleeve shirts. Take advantage of this break from state sales tax, whether it’s pants or a nice blouse. Also, this tax-free weekend comes just in time for back-to-school sales. Make sure to pick up backpacks, trousers, and sweaters for school. Be intelligent shoppers for the school year and take advantage of no sales taxes.
If any Black-owned retail companies sell clothing or school supplies we missed, please inform us at The Voice of Black Cincinnati.
Article Information provided by the Ohio Department of Taxation.
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans in the region. Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Facebook, or text VOBC to 513-270-3880 for local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses.
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