Ohio’s annual tax-free weekend is making headlines in 2025, and savvy shoppers across the state want to know: does Ohio tax free weekend apply online shopping? This year’s event runs for an unprecedented two weeks, from August 1 at 12:00 a.m. until August 14 at 11:59 p.m. As Ohio residents gear up for the opportunity to save on everything from school supplies to electronics, there’s plenty of buzz about exactly how — and where — you can take advantage of these savings.
The latest update as of August 2025 confirms that the Ohio tax-free weekend applies to both in-store and online purchases. As long as you complete your purchase within the official holiday window, your eligible items will be free from state and local sales tax, whether you shop from your local retailer or your favorite online store. Delivery date does not matter; it’s all about when your transaction is completed.
What’s Included: Expansive List of Eligible Items
In 2025, Ohio has expanded the tax holiday to include almost all tangible personal property priced at $500 or less, making it one of the most broad-reaching sales tax holidays in the U.S. Here are some highlights:
- Electronics: laptops, tablets, televisions, headphones
- Furniture and home goods: desks, chairs, kitchenware, decorations
- Clothing and shoes: all types and sizes
- Books: including novels and textbooks
- School supplies: paper, pens, calculators, backpacks
- Sporting goods: apparel and gear for sports
- Dine-in restaurant meals and groceries
- Personal items: beauty products, pet supplies
Simply put: if it’s a tangible item costing $500 or less, it’s probably covered.
Read Also-TAX FREE WEEKEND OHIO: 10 Things You Should Know Before You Shop
Online Shopping and the Sales Tax Holiday
Ohio’s Department of Taxation has clarified that qualifying purchases made online during the tax-free window are fully covered. A few key points for online shoppers:
- The purchase must be completed, not just started, between August 1 and August 14.
- Shipping and handling charges are also exempt as long as the item itself qualifies.
- Out-of-stock items that are paid for during the holiday remain tax-free, even if delivered later.
- If you’re charged sales tax in error, contact the retailer or Ohio Department of Taxation for a refund.
“As long as you finish the purchase during the sale-tax-free time period, you should not be charged. It doesn’t matter when the item is actually delivered. Shipping and handling should also be tax-free.” — Signal Cleveland
Exceptions: What’s Still Taxed?
Some exclusions remain. Sales tax will still be applied to:
- Motor vehicles, watercraft, and outboard motors
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and vapor products
- Marijuana-containing products
- Services such as car repair, haircuts, or those not normally taxed
If you’re unsure, a quick check of item eligibility can be made on the official Ohio Department of Taxation website or by calling their help center.
Local Tax Impacts and Savings Potential
Depending on where you shop in Ohio, total sales tax rates can be as high as 8%. On a $500 purchase, that means up to $40 in savings per item. From back-to-school shopping for families to big-ticket home upgrades, the cumulative effect can be significant.
| County | Sales Tax Rate | Example: Savings on $500 |
|---|---|---|
| Cuyahoga | 8% | $40 |
| Lake | 7.25% | $36.25 |
| Lorain | 6.5% | $32.50 |
| Summit, Geauga | 6.75% | $33.75 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can stores opt out? No, all retailers — brick-and-mortar and online — must participate.
- What about coupons and price drops? Coupons or discounts that bring an item below $500 mean you’ll still pay zero sales tax.
- Returns and exchanges? If you exchange for the same item after the holiday, no tax is charged. Swap for something else after the period, and tax applies.
The Bottom Line
Does Ohio tax free weekend apply online shopping? The answer is a clear yes for 2025. With the expanded list of items, generous price cap, and full inclusion of online shopping, this two-week August event promises substantial savings for anyone making qualifying purchases. Whether you prefer to click or visit a local store, the holiday opens the door for smart, tax-free buys.
Looking to score big this August? Share your best deals or shopping tips in the comments, and let your fellow Ohioans know about the bargains you uncovered!