Families anticipating back-to-school purchases can take advantage of the August tax holiday to help save money.
However, the window to enjoy a break from sales taxes is much narrower this year — three days, from midnight on Friday, Aug. 7 through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9. Last year’s tax holiday lasted two weeks.
Another change: Those hoping to enjoy a sit-down restaurant meal at a reduced price due to the tax holiday — something offered in 2024 and 2025 — will find restaurants are not included in the holiday this year.
The scope of items that can be purchased without paying a tax during the August three-day holiday has narrowed, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation. For example, there won’t be an expanded sales tax holiday on items $500 and less this year.
The Ohio Department of Taxation called this year’s tax break holiday a “back-to-school holiday” on its website, and stated the tax break applies to:
“This annual holiday provides meaningful savings for Ohio families while supporting back-to-school preparation,” stated Tax Commissioner Patricia Harris in a recent media release published by Gov. Mike DeWine’s office. “We encourage shoppers and retailers to plan ahead and take advantage of the exemption.”
Starting in 2024, Ohio provides for a sales tax holiday of at least three days that includes the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of August each year if a budget surplus exists, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.
Ohio sales tax holiday information on sales over telephone, mail and online
For more details, visit https://tax.ohio.gov/business/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio tax-free holiday returns just three days in 2026. Here’s when
Reporting by April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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