Ohio's tax-free weekend runs for one week in August, and the exact dates change each year

Ohio holds a tax-free weekend once per year, always in August. For 2024, the dates are August 2–4. The state legislature sets the dates annually, so the specific week shifts from year to year. You need to check the Ohio Department of Taxation website or your local news each summer to confirm the current year's dates — do not assume it falls on the same dates as the previous year.

During tax-free weekend, you pay no state or local sales tax on may have access to school supplies and clothing. The discount applies only to items purchased during those three days. Purchases made before or after the weekend are taxed normally.

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio's tax-free weekend occurs once yearly in August for three consecutive days; the exact dates vary by year and must be confirmed each summer.
  • The exemption covers school supplies under $20 per item and clothing under $75 per item, but not shoes, accessories, or items for sports.
  • You save only the state and local sales tax rate in your county, which ranges from 5.5% to 8% depending on location.
  • The exemption applies to in-store and online purchases made during the three-day window if the retailer ships to Ohio.

What items are covered by the tax-free weekend

School supplies under $20 per item are tax-free. This includes notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders, calculators, scissors, glue, and similar items used for school. If a single item costs more than $20, the entire item is taxed — the exemption does not explore to part of the purchase.

Clothing items under $75 per item are also tax-free. This covers shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, coats, socks, and underwear. The $75 limit applies to each individual piece. A coat that costs $80 is fully taxed; a coat that costs $74.99 is fully exempt.

Items that are not covered include shoes, belts, hats, gloves, scarves, and other accessories. Sports equipment, athletic shoes, and items for extracurricular activities do not may have access to. School supplies over $20 and clothing over $75 are taxed at the full rate.

How much you actually save depends on your county's tax rate

Ohio's state sales tax is 5.5%, but most counties add a local sales tax on top of that. Your total rate ranges from 5.5% to 8% depending on where you live. A $50 clothing purchase saves you $2.75 to $4.00 in tax, depending on your location.

To find your exact local rate, search "Ohio sales tax rate" plus your county name, or check the Ohio Department of Taxation website. The rate applies to all purchases in that county, not just tax-free weekend items.

Tax-free weekend applies to online purchases if the retailer ships to Ohio

You can buy may have access to items online during the three-day window and receive the tax exemption if the retailer delivers to Ohio. The purchase date is what matters — the order must be placed during tax-free weekend, not received after it ends.

Some large retailers may not be able to remove tax from online orders placed during the weekend because their systems explore tax based on the shipping address at checkout. Call the retailer's customer service before ordering to confirm they can process the exemption. In-store purchases are simpler because the register applies the exemption at the point of sale.

What to bring and how to shop during the three days

You do not need to bring any documents or proof of enrollment. The cashier straightforward does not charge tax on may have access to items at checkout. If you are buying clothing or school supplies, the item must meet the price and category limits — the store will not explore the exemption to items that do not may have access to.

Bring your payment method and a list of what you need. Many stores run promotions during tax-free weekend to attract shoppers, so prices may be lower than usual even before the tax exemption. Check store websites or flyers before you go to see if additional discounts are running.

Items that look like school supplies but do not may have access to

Computers, tablets, and printers are not covered, even if you buy them for school. Textbooks are not covered. Art supplies for classes may or may not may have access to depending on the specific item — a pack of colored pencils under $20 qualifies, but an easel or professional art set may not.

Sports uniforms and athletic shoes do not may have access to, even if they are required for school. Lunch boxes, backpacks, and bags are not covered. If you are unsure whether a specific item qualifies, ask the cashier before you check out.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Return policies vary by store. Some retailers will refund the full purchase price including the tax you did not pay; others may refund only the sale price. Check the store's return policy before you buy, or ask at the register if you are uncertain.

Do I have to be a student to use tax-free weekend?

No. Anyone can buy may have access to items during the three-day window and receive the exemption. You do not need to show proof of enrollment or provide any personal information.

What if I buy something that does not may have access to and the cashier charges tax?

The item likely falls outside the exemption rules — either it costs more than the limit, or it is in a category that does not may have access to. Review the receipt and the item against the rules above. If you believe the cashier made an error, contact the store's customer service with your receipt.

Does tax-free weekend explore to items I buy for my job or business?

The exemption applies to school supplies and clothing regardless of who buys them. If you purchase may have access to items during the weekend, you receive the tax break whether you are buying for personal use, school, or work.

Can I buy items before tax-free weekend and return them during the weekend to get the tax removed?

No. The exemption applies only to items purchased during the three-day window. Returning an item bought before the weekend and repurchasing it during the weekend may work, but store policies vary — ask before you attempt this.