Ohio’s Tax-Free Holiday Is Back and Bigger Than Ever
Written by Jay M. Kelley III in Community Outreach, Health & Wellness, In the news, Leisure on July 29, 2025
What used to be a simple weekend of back-to-school deals is now a full two weeks of savings. From August 1 through August 14, almost every item you buy in Ohio that costs $500 or less will be completely tax-free.
That includes way more than just notebooks and jeans. We are talking laptops, groceries, books, furniture, and more. If you’re looking to save money or prepare for school without breaking the bank, this is your chance.
What Is Tax Free in 2025
This year, Ohio made a big change. Almost all tangible personal property under $500 is tax-free during this time. That means if you can hold it and it is under the price cap, there is a good chance it qualifies.
Here are just a few examples of what you can get:
- Electronics like computers, tablets, TVs, and gaming systems
- All clothing for kids and adults
- Books, including novels, textbooks, and cookbooks
- Furniture, kitchenware, and home decor
- School supplies, backpacks, and lunch boxes
- Indoor and outdoor plants
- Sporting goods and athletic apparel
- Groceries, soft drinks, dine-in restaurant meals, and supplements
This is one of the most generous tax holidays Ohio has ever offered, and it is designed to help families save not just on school stuff, but on everyday needs too.
What Is Still Full Price
Only a few categories are excluded:
- Cars, motorcycles, boats, and motors
- Alcohol
- Tobacco and vape products
- Anything that contains marijuana
- Clothing alterations, car repairs, salon services
- Carry-out and delivery food orders (in most areas)
So while you can take the whole family out to eat tax-free, your Uber Eats order will probably still include sales tax.
What About Online Shopping?
Yes, online orders qualify too, even on Amazon and other big retailers.
If you place your order between August 1 and August 14 and the item is in stock and ready to ship, you should not be charged sales tax. It does not matter if the delivery arrives after the 14th, as long as the order is processed during the holiday.
A few things to watch out for:
- Bundled items that are priced together might lose the exemption if any part of the bundle does not qualify
- Items over the $500 limit will still be taxed, even online
- If your order includes both tax-free and taxable items, part of your shipping may be taxed
A Few More Things to Know
The $500 Limit
As long as the individual item is $500 or less, it qualifies. You can buy 20 items that are each $499 and still avoid tax on all of them. Go even one dollar over on a single item, though, and that item is fully taxed.
Online Shopping Counts
Shopping online? As long as you complete your purchase before 11:59 p.m. on August 14, your order qualifies. This includes Amazon and other major retailers. Delivery can happen later.
Shipping and handling are tax-free if all items in your order qualify.
Layaway and Backorders
If you put something on layaway during the tax holiday, it qualifies. If the item is on backorder, you’ll need to pay in full during the window for it to be exempt.
Coupons and Discounts
Yes, you can still use coupons or loyalty deals. If the discount brings the item price under $500, it qualifies for the tax break.
Exchanges and Returns
- Exchanging for the same item? No tax, even after August 14.
- Returning and buying something different? That new item may be taxed.
Why This Matters
This is not just about school supplies. Ohio’s expanded tax holiday is designed to help with everyday costs. That means families can get the kids ready for school and maybe pick up that vacuum, slow cooker, or pair of shoes they’ve been putting off.
If your budget’s tight, this is one of the few chances all year to make a real dent in your list.
We Are Giving Away Gift Cards to Help
Even with this tax break, we know the costs can still pile up, especially if you’re shopping for more than one kid or trying to outfit your home on a budget.
That’s why we’re giving away three (3) digital $50 gift cards to help with back-to-school and beyond.
Keep an eye on our social media pages. The giveaway will go live soon, and we will make sure the winners get their cards in time to use them before August 14.
Keep an eye on our social media pages to enter.
Jay M. Kelley III - Managing Partner
Meet Jay M. Kelley III, a top medical malpractice attorney in Ohio with over 25 years of experience and $200 million in verdicts and settlements. He leads Elk + Elk’s litigation strategy in state and federal courts and has a unique background as a former felony prosecutor and hospital defense lawyer. Jay specializes in complex cases, including birth injuries and wrongful death, and is recognized by Best Lawyers and ranked among the Super Lawyers Top 10 in Ohio.
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