Ohio’s 2025 expanded sales tax holiday begins on Friday, August 1, and runs through Thursday, August 14, providing a full two-week period where many purchases are exempt from the state sales tax.
During this period, most tangible personal property priced at $500 or less can be purchased tax-free, allowing consumers significant savings on everyday items. This event applies statewide and includes both in-person and online purchases, as long as the transaction is completed by 11:59 p.m. on August 14.
What Is Eligible for the Sales Tax Holiday?
The sales tax exemption applies broadly to many product categories, offering shoppers a chance to save on a variety of goods. Eligible items include:
- Electronics: Computers, televisions, tablets, and other gadgets.
- Clothing: Apparel items including shirts, pants, shoes, and accessories.
- Books: All types, from novels to textbooks.
- Home goods: Furniture, kitchenware, home décor, and appliances.
- Sporting goods: Equipment and apparel for sports and outdoor activities.
- Plants: Both indoor and outdoor plants are included.
- Food and beverages: Dine-in restaurant meals, dietary supplements, and soft drinks also qualify.
This list is representative rather than exhaustive. The key qualification is that items must be tangible personal property priced at $500 or less.
What Items Are Excluded?
Certain goods remain taxable despite the holiday to comply with regulatory and safety standards. Excluded items include:
- Watercraft and outboard motors
- Motor vehicles
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products and vapor products
- Items containing marijuana
These exclusions ensure that larger purchases and regulated substances stay taxed.
Important Information for Shoppers and Businesses
If you use coupons or loyalty discounts, the final price of an item after discounts determines its eligibility. For example, if a coupon reduces the purchase price below $500, the item should be purchased without sales tax.
In cases of returns or exchanges:
- If you exchange an item for the same product during the holiday, no tax should be charged again.
- Returning an item and buying a different item after the sales tax holiday will incur tax on the new purchase.
Business owners are encouraged to make sure they understand and apply the tax holiday rules correctly to avoid penalties. The Ohio Department of Taxation offers resources and support to assist businesses with compliance.
Contact and Additional Resources
For questions related to Ohio’s sales tax holiday:
- Call the Ohio Department of Taxation at 1-888-405-4039.
- For TTY or adaptive equipment users, call 1-800-750-0750.
- More information and FAQs are available on the Ohio Department of Taxation’s website.
Ohio’s sales tax holiday presents a great opportunity to make purchases across a broad range of goods tax-free, helping consumers save money on essentials and special buys alike.
