SOME consumers can get some serious savings on certain merchandise this summer.
The deals come amid a state program that only runs for a limited time, so those interested must act fast.
School supplies and other merchandise in one state will be tax-free soon (stock image)[/caption]
For several years now, Ohio has offered an Expanded Sales Tax Holiday, and that’s not changing in 2025.
Several states do something similar, typically as a way to either stimulate consumer spending, provide tax relief, or to encourage purchases of specific items, per Sales Tax Institute.
During the event, nearly “all tangible personal property priced at $500 or less” is free from taxes, per the Ohio Department of Taxation.
It runs from midnight on August 1 to 11:59 pm on August 14.
That means most merchandise sold at vendors in the state, whether at small businesses or retail giants, will not have sales tax.
The Ohio Department of Taxation noted several commonly tax-exempt items under the price threshold.
They include back-to-school supplies like novels and textbooks, electronics such as computers and televisions, and most clothing items.
Furniture, kitchenware, sports equipment, indoor and outdoor plants, dine-in food, and others also qualify.
“These are just examples,” the Ohio Department of Taxation emphasized.
“Many other items will also be exempt from sales tax during this period.”
The Ohio Department of Taxation also provided a clear list of items that would still be taxed during the August 1 to August 14 window.
They include alcoholic beverages, motor vehicles, items containing marijuana, tobacco products, vapor products, and watercraft or outboard motors.
SELLER STIPULATIONS
Businesses were also notified about how to effectively manage the taxed and tax-exempt merchandise.
For example, should a consumer purchase exempt and non-exempt items that are sold together, the entire price is still subject to sales tax.
Ohio Sales Tax Holiday Eligible Items
Ohio’s Sales Tax Holiday runs from August 1 to 14. Most merchandise under $500 is eligible for a tax-free transaction.
- Computers
- Televisions
- Clothing/Apparel
- Books and Textbooks
- Furniture
- Kitchenware
- Home Decor
- Indoor and Outdoor Plants
- Sports Equipment
- Dine-in Food
- Dietary Supplements
- Soft Drinks
If they are sold separately, and are simply being bought together in the same trip, then the sales tax must be removed for the items that are exempt only.
The Ohio Department of Taxation also noted that businesses cannot separate items typically sold together “as a unit” during the Sales Tax Holiday period.
For exempt merchandise sold online, there are also exceptions made considering shipping.
SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS
Shipping and handling charges are not taxable if a shipment of eligible merchandise is bought within the August window.
Should the shipment include both eligible and non-eligible items, the seller has to determine percentages based on “the total price of the taxable items to the total price of all the items in the shipment,” according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.
“The retailer must charge tax on the portion of the shipping and handling charges allocated to the taxable items in the shipment.”
More information on exchanges and returns can be found on the Ohio Department of Taxation’s website or through contacting them by phone at 1-888-405-4039.
Other summer deals are also going on right now at top retailers nationwide.
Walmart is currently selling an “expert” grill that’s perfect for Father’s Day at just $96, and reviewers call it “fantastic.”
Aldi has also cut summer prices on most items by 33%, with over 400 starting at just $1.49.
