COLUMBUS, OH — With the start of a new school year on the horizon, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is giving families a much-needed financial break. This morning, the Governor officially announced the dates for the 2026 Ohio Sales Tax Holiday, a three-day window designed to help parents and students save on essential supplies.
The tax-free weekend will begin at 12:00 AM on Friday, August 7, and run through 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Meaningful Savings for Families
The annual event is timed to coincide with the peak of back-to-school shopping. By removing the state and local sales tax on specific items, the state aims to keep more money in the pockets of Ohio families.
“The sales tax break is designed to provide meaningful savings for families as they purchase new school essentials for the upcoming year,” Governor DeWine stated. “This holiday comes at a time when families are heavily focused on getting ready for the classroom.”
What Qualifies?
Not every item at the mall is tax-exempt. To qualify for the savings, items must fall under specific price caps:
- Clothing: Any individual item priced at $75 or less.
- School Supplies: Pens, notebooks, and other essentials priced at $20 or less per item.
- Instructional Materials: Reference books, workbooks, and maps priced at $20 or less per item.
A Win for Shoppers and Retailers
State Tax Commissioner Patricia Harris is encouraging both consumers and business owners to prepare for the surge in traffic. “We encourage shoppers and retailers to plan ahead and take advantage of the exemption,” Harris said.
While the primary goal is to assist families with school-age children, the tax holiday is open to all consumers. Anyone purchasing qualifying clothing or supplies during the three-day period will receive the discount at the register automatically.
Need More Information?
The Ohio Department of Taxation has published a comprehensive guide and FAQ section on its website to help residents navigate the holiday. For those with specific questions regarding the exemption, the department can be reached at 1-888-405-4039.
