For the 4th year, the state of Ohio plans to host an entire weekend tax-free on back to school shopping items. The tax break is expected to help thousands of families offset an average of over $800 in higher costs due to inflation. The bill, passed in 2019, allowed for a permanent tax holiday on the first weekend of August each year.
Friday-Sunday, August 5-7, 2022
Beginning Friday at 12a, Ohio residents can purchase the following items, tax free:
- An item of clothing priced at $75 or less
- An item of school supplies priced at $20 or less
- An item of school instructional material priced at $20 or less
While there is no limit on the amount of total purchase, items used in a trade or business are not exempt under the tax-free weekend. Protective equipment, costume masks, sports equipment, patches and clothing accessories do not fall under the approved back to school items.
Find the Best Tax Free Deals
Tax-free items include clothing and school supplies but did you know it also covers diapers? Parents can save on school uniforms, belts, shoes, tops and bottoms, gloves, coats, rain jackets, bathing suits, socks, lab coats, receiving blankets, formal wear and more. For school supplies, lunch boxes, binders, paper, pencil case, glue, markers, crayons, scissors, backpacks and more. For a full list, refer here.
School instructional material also falls under the tax-free holiday. Reference books, reference maps and globes, textbooks and workbooks qualify.
Online Orders, Coupons, Sales
Online orders are exempt from taxes if purchased during the Friday to Sunday “holiday” timeframe, even if they won’t be delivered until after the weekend. If all items in an online order fall under the exemptions, shipping and handling is also untaxable. Coupons and ‘buy one get one free’ type sales are eligible as long as the items are under the $75 limit. Keep in mind, the timezone of the online retailer you’re purchasing matters when making an early morning order. Please confirm the online retailer is operating in our time zone to qualify for tax free.
Second Hand Tax Free
Don’t forget about your favorite secondhand store! Shops like Once Upon a Child, Goodwill and St. Vincent, with already marked down prices, will also be tax free. For teachers, Clothes Mentor is also included in the tax-free weekend; jewelry, handbags and clothing items over $75 are not included.
