Ohio's tax-free weekend runs for one week in August each year

Ohio holds a tax-free weekend in August, typically the first full week of the month. In 2024, it runs August 4–10. The state sets the dates each year, so the exact week shifts depending on the calendar. During this period, you pay no sales tax on most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and computers under certain price limits.

The purpose is to lower the cost of back-to-school shopping. Families with children heading into a new school year see the biggest savings, though anyone can shop during the window. The tax break applies statewide — in every county and every store that collects Ohio sales tax.

This is a state-level program, not a federal one. Other states run similar events on different dates, so if you live near a state border, check your neighboring state's calendar too.

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio's tax-free weekend occurs in early August each year; check the Ohio Department of Taxation website for the exact dates in the current year.
  • Clothing and footwear under $75 per item, school supplies under $20 per item, and computers under $750 are tax-free during the event.
  • The tax break does not apply to accessories, sports equipment, protective gear, or items bought online from out-of-state sellers.
  • You do not need to register, show proof of enrollment, or meet any income requirement — the discount applies to everyone at checkout.

What items are covered and what price limits apply

The tax-free list is narrow and price-sensitive. Clothing and footwear under $75 per item are tax-free. This includes shirts, pants, dresses, coats, shoes, socks, and hats. A $100 winter coat does not may have access to; a $70 one does. If you buy five $50 shirts, all five are tax-free.

School supplies under $20 per item are tax-free. This covers notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, folders, binders, calculators, and backpacks. A $15 backpack qualifies; a $35 one does not. Supplies for college students count the same way as supplies for K–12 students.

Computers under $750 are tax-free. This includes laptops, desktops, and tablets. Monitors, keyboards, mice, and cables do not may have access to separately — they are taxed as usual. A $700 laptop is tax-free; an $800 one is not.

Items explicitly excluded: athletic shoes, sports equipment (cleats, gloves, bats), protective gear (helmets, goggles), jewelry, watches, belts, umbrellas, and handbags. Clothing for animals also does not may have access to. Alterations and tailoring are taxed normally.

How the tax break works at the register

You do not need to do anything special to receive the discount. When you check out during tax-free weekend, the cashier or point-of-sale system automatically removes the sales tax from may have access to items. The discount appears on your receipt.

If you shop in person, the store's system is programmed to recognize tax-free weekend dates and apply the exemption. If you shop by phone or mail order from an Ohio retailer, the same rule applies — tax is removed if the order is placed during the tax-free window and shipped to an Ohio address.

Online shopping from out-of-state retailers is more complicated. If you order from a seller outside Ohio and have it shipped to an Ohio address, you typically still owe Ohio sales tax. The tax-free weekend exemption applies to sales made by Ohio retailers, not to all purchases by Ohio residents.

Items that look like they should may have access to but do not

Shoes are tax-free, but athletic shoes designed for sports are not. A pair of running shoes marketed as athletic footwear does not may have access to, even if you wear them casually. A pair of everyday sneakers or casual shoes does may have access to. The distinction is how the manufacturer and retailer label and market the item.

School supplies are tax-free, but not all items sold in the school supply aisle. Tissues, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies do not may have access to — they are considered general merchandise. Lunch boxes and water bottles are not school supplies for tax purposes. Textbooks and workbooks are also excluded.

Clothing is tax-free, but costumes, uniforms, and specialized work clothing may be treated differently depending on how they are labeled. A Halloween costume is typically not considered clothing for tax purposes. Police or military uniforms sold as costumes also do not may have access to.

How to find the exact dates for the current year

The Ohio Department of Taxation announces tax-free weekend dates each year on its official website. The dates are always in early August, but the specific week changes year to year. You can also call the department's taxpayer services line or check with your local retailer, which will have the dates posted before the event begins.

Mark the dates on your calendar before you shop. Stores will advertise the event in the weeks leading up to it, and most major retailers send out notices to customers. If you are unsure whether a particular item qualifies, ask a store employee during the tax-free weekend — they should know the rules for their merchandise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return items bought during tax-free weekend and get the tax back?

No. If you return an item after tax-free weekend ends, the refund is based on the price you paid, which included no tax. If you return an item during tax-free weekend, you receive a refund for the tax-free price. The tax exemption is tied to the purchase date, not the return date.

Do online orders placed before tax-free weekend but delivered during it count?

No. The tax-free exemption is based on when the sale is made, not when the item is delivered. If you place an order before tax-free weekend, tax is charged at the time of purchase. If you place an order during tax-free weekend and it is delivered after, the tax-free rate still applies.

What if a store charges tax on a may have access to item during tax-free weekend?

Ask the cashier or manager to correct it. Most stores have the dates programmed into their systems, but human error or system glitches can happen. Keep your receipt and contact the store if you notice a charge that should have been waived. You can also report the issue to the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Does tax-free weekend apply to gift cards or store credit?

No. Buying a gift card is not a purchase of clothing, supplies, or computers — it is a purchase of a card. When you use the gift card to buy items after tax-free weekend, tax applies normally. If you use it during tax-free weekend, the tax exemption applies to the items you buy, not to the card itself.

Are there income limits or proof of enrollment required?

No. The tax-free weekend is available to everyone, regardless of income or whether you have children in school. You do not need to show a student ID, proof of enrollment, or any other documentation. The exemption is automatic at checkout.