Ohio’s annual tax free weekend Ohio is back from Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4, 2025, and this year comes with a major change: there’s no limit on eligible items. For the first time ever, the Ohio General Assembly has removed caps on clothing, school supplies, and instructional materials—making this weekend the perfect time to stock up, tax-free.
Here are 10 essential facts to help you take full advantage of Ohio’s sales tax holiday:
When Is Tax Free Weekend in Ohio?
This year’s event begins Friday, August 2, 2025, at 12:00 a.m. and ends Sunday, August 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.. Whether you shop online or in person, these times apply statewide.
Unlimited Purchases Are Now Allowed
In past years, items had to fall under specific dollar amounts to be exempt from sales tax. Now, there is no spending limit. Whether you buy a $20 backpack or a $500 coat, you won’t pay sales tax on qualifying items.
Read also-Does Ohio Tax Free Weekend Apply Online Shopping?
What Items Qualify for the Exemption?
Ohio’s Department of Taxation has confirmed these categories:
- Clothing (coats, shoes, uniforms, etc.)
- School supplies (pens, paper, calculators)
- Instructional materials (textbooks, reference books)
Excluded: electronics, sporting equipment, and accessories like purses or watches.
Online Shopping Counts Too
Ohio’s extended tax-free holiday from August 1 to August 14 isn’t just for in-store shoppers—online purchases qualify too, giving everyone a chance to save regardless of how they shop. To benefit, the key rule is simple: your online transaction must be completed during the tax-free window. That means the item must be paid for between August 1 and August 14, even if the product ships or is delivered later.
Each item in your online cart must be $500 or less to be exempt from sales tax. There’s no limit on the number of qualifying items you can buy, as long as each one meets the price rule. Whether you’re buying clothes, school supplies, electronics, or household goods, it all counts.
Even better—shipping and handling charges are also tax-free, as long as all the items in the shipment are eligible. But if your order includes even one item over $500 or a non-qualifying product, that item (and the portion of shipping attached to it) will be taxed.
So if you’re planning to shop from home, go ahead—online shopping during Ohio’s tax-free holiday is just as rewarding as heading to the store. Just remember: pay within the window, stay under $500 per item, and enjoy the savings..
Can You Use Coupons and Still Avoid Tax?
Yes, you absolutely can. During Ohio’s tax-free holiday, coupons and store discounts work in your favor. If you apply a store coupon, promo code, or in-store discount that brings the price of an item down to $500 or less, the item will still be fully tax-exempt.
For example, if you’re buying a jacket originally priced at $520, and you use a $30 store coupon, bringing the total to $490, you won’t pay any sales tax—because the final price at checkout is what matters.
It’s important to note that only store-issued discounts apply this way. Manufacturer rebates or post-purchase cash-back offers generally don’t count when determining the taxable amount. So, if the price is $520 and you get a $30 mail-in rebate later, the item will still be taxed at checkout because the price at the point of sale is over the $500 limit.
In short, as long as the final transaction total after store deals is $500 or less per item, you can enjoy full tax exemption—even with coupons applied.
No Refund? You Still Pay No Tax
Even if an item is non-refundable, marked as final sale, or cannot be returned, it still qualifies for tax exemption during Ohio’s tax-free holiday—as long as it meets the $500-per-item limit. The return policy has no effect on whether an item is taxed. So if you’re buying discounted or clearance items that can’t be returned, you’ll still avoid paying sales tax if the purchase is made within the holiday window. The key factor is the price and timing, not the refund terms.
Popular Retailers Participating
Big-box and local retailers are all in:
| Store Name | Special Offers (Aug 2–4) |
|---|---|
| Walmart | Back-to-school bundles, extended hours |
| Target | 10% off school essentials + tax-free |
| Kohl’s | Stackable coupons accepted |
| Best Buy | Select learning tablets now included |
| Amazon | Auto-applies tax exemption at checkout |
Stock Up for the Whole Year
This is the first time you can buy any quantity or value of school-related items tax-free. Many parents are using this opportunity to buy in bulk and even get a head start on winter wear.
Sales Tax Rate Savings Add Up
Ohio’s average combined sales tax rate is 7.23%. That means:
- Spend $500 → Save $36.15
- Spend $1000 → Save $72.30
Multiply that across multiple kids or classrooms, and you’re looking at significant savings.
Stay Aware of Store-Specific Rules
Some stores may restrict rainchecks or price matching during the weekend. It’s best to call ahead or check their official policy online.
Why Tax Free Weekend Ohio Is Bigger Than Ever
Thanks to Senate Bill 264, which was signed into law in 2024, Ohio’s tax holiday has expanded permanently. The purpose is to relieve back-to-school expenses for families and stimulate retail sales.
Ohio isn’t the only state with tax holidays, but Ohio’s version now ranks among the most generous—with no caps and broad eligibility.
Ready to save big during this year’s tax free weekend Ohio? Grab your shopping list, check your local ads, and plan your visit early—some items may go fast. Share your shopping wins or tips in the comments to help fellow Ohioans make the most of it!