COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohioans will soon enjoy a longer and broader Sales Tax Holiday, thanks to a 2025 expansion that goes into effect Friday, August 1. The tax-free shopping window will run for two full weeks, ending at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14.
This year’s expanded tax holiday allows shoppers to purchase most tangible personal property priced at $500 or less without paying state sales tax, offering major savings for families, students, and bargain hunters.
✅ What’s Tax-Free
A wide array of everyday and high-ticket items will be exempt from sales tax, including:
- Electronics: Laptops, TVs, tablets, and more
- Clothing: All apparel with no price limit per item
- Books: From novels to textbooks
- Home Goods: Furniture, kitchenware, and décor
- Plants: Both indoor and outdoor varieties
- Sporting Goods: Apparel and equipment
- Food and Beverages: Including dine-in meals, dietary supplements, and soft drinks
🚫 What’s Still Taxed
The following remain ineligible for the exemption:
- Motor vehicles and watercraft
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco and vapor products
- Marijuana products (including THC-infused items)
🛒 Online Purchases Included
The sales tax break also applies to online, phone, and mail orders, as long as the purchase is made and paid for during the holiday window and the retailer accepts the order for immediate shipment—even if delivery occurs after August 14.
🔄 Exchanges and Returns
Shoppers exchanging items for the same product after the holiday will not be charged tax. However, if an item is returned and replaced with a different product after August 14, sales tax will apply to the new purchase—even if it would have been eligible during the tax holiday.
📦 Shipping and Handling
Shipping charges are tax-free if all items in the order qualify and fall under the $500 threshold. If a shipment includes both taxable and tax-exempt items, the seller must apply a proportion of tax to the shipping costs based on the value of taxable goods.
🏪 Help for Retailers
The Ohio Department of Taxation is providing guidance to help businesses navigate the holiday. Retailers must ensure they:
- Properly distinguish exempt and taxable items
- Avoid breaking up normally bundled items to qualify for the tax break
- Apply the correct rules for in-store and online purchases
Businesses are encouraged to contact the Department of Taxation with any questions to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
For full details and a complete list of qualifying items, visit tax.ohio.gov.
