When Is the Sales Tax Holiday?
The Ohio Sales Tax Holiday runs from Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9, 2026. During this limited window, certain back-to-school items can be purchased tax-free.
What Items Qualify?
To help shoppers plan ahead, the Ohio Department of Taxation has outlined specific categories and price limits for eligible items:
- Clothing priced at $75 or less per item
- School supplies priced at $20 or less per item
- School instructional materials priced at $20 or less per item
What’s Different This Year?
Unlike the broader exemptions offered in 2024 and 2025—when most items under $500 qualified—the 2026 holiday is more limited in scope. Only the categories listed above are eligible.
Additionally, purchases made for use in a trade or business are not exempt, even if they fall within the price thresholds.
Avoid Confusion: Know Before You Shop
Sales tax rules can be nuanced, especially when it comes to definitions of qualifying items. The Ohio Department of Taxation provides a detailed FAQ page that clarifies:
- What counts as “clothing”
- Which items qualify as school supplies or instructional materials
- Answers to common shopper questions
You can review the official guidance here: Ohio Sales Tax Holiday 2026 | Department of Taxation
Make the Most of the Holiday
With proper planning, Ohio shoppers can take full advantage of this tax-saving opportunity. Reviewing eligible items ahead of time ensures a smoother checkout experience—and helps avoid unexpected costs.
Need Guidance?
If you have questions about Ohio’s Sales Tax Holiday or other state and local tax (SALT) matters, HBK’s experts are here to help.
Contact the HBK SALT Advisory Group at: hbksalt@hbkcpa.com
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