Ohio’s two-week Sales Tax Holiday kicks off August 1: big savings for shoppers across the State

COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW) – Ohio residents are poised for significant savings as the state’s 2025 Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, August 1, and runs through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, August 14. This two-week tax-free period offers a broad exemption on tangible personal property priced at $500 or less, providing a welcome financial break for families and consumers statewide.

During this period, almost all tangible personal property priced at $500 or less per item will be tax-free. This includes a wide array of products such as electronics (computers, televisions, gadgets), all types of clothing, books (novels, textbooks), home goods (furniture, kitchenware, décor), plants, sporting goods, and even dine-in food, dietary supplements, and soft drinks. There is no limit on the total purchase amount, only on the individual item price.

However, certain exclusions apply. Items that will remain taxable include watercraft, outboard motors, motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vapor products, and items containing marijuana.

Key considerations for shoppers and businesses:

• Online Sales: Qualified items purchased online are eligible if ordered and paid for during the holiday period for immediate shipment, even if delivery occurs later.
• Shipping & Handling: If an entire shipment consists of eligible tax-exempt items, shipping and handling charges are also tax-free. If a shipment contains both exempt and taxable items, shipping costs must be allocated, with tax charged on the portion related to taxable items.
• Returns & Exchanges: An eligible item purchased during the holiday can be exchanged for the same item tax-free even after the holiday. However, returning an eligible item bought during the holiday for credit toward a different item after the holiday will incur sales tax on the new purchase. If an item bought before the holiday is returned during the holiday for credit on an eligible item, no sales tax is due on the new purchase, and the original sales tax paid should be credited back.
• Bundled Items: Items normally sold as a unit must be sold that way; they cannot be separated to meet the $500 threshold. If exempt and taxable items are sold together for one non-itemized price, the entire price is subject to sales tax.

Ohio’s 2025 Sales Tax Holiday offers a significant opportunity for residents to stretch their dollars and for businesses to see increased activity. Shoppers are encouraged to plan their purchases accordingly to take full advantage of these savings.