Ohio’s annual Sales Tax Holiday is returning for 2025 with a major expansion: instead of the traditional weekend event, this year’s tax break will span a full two weeks.
Shoppers will be able to purchase most tangible goods priced at $500 or less without paying state sales tax from 12:00 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.
Gov. Mike DeWine praised the expanded format, saying it’s designed to help families beyond just back-to-school needs.
“The timing of this year’s sales tax holiday not only supports families preparing for back-to-school, but also provides relief on other important household needs,” DeWine said in a statement.
What’s included
The tax exemption applies to a broad range of products, including:
- Electronics: Computers, televisions, and personal gadgets
- Clothing: All apparel
- Books: Including novels and textbooks
- Home goods: Furniture, kitchenware, and home décor
- Plants: Indoor and outdoor
- Sporting goods: Equipment and related apparel
- Food and beverages: Including dine-in meals, soft drinks, and dietary supplements
Each item must be priced at $500 or less to qualify. There’s no limit on the total value of a single purchase, as long as each individual item meets the price threshold.
For example, a shopper buying six $100 items in a single transaction would still pay no sales tax, even though the total exceeds $500.
What’s not included
Certain products remain taxable, including:
- Motor vehicles and watercraft
- Alcohol, tobacco, and vapor products
- Marijuana or marijuana-derived items
Online purchases also qualify
Qualifying items purchased online, by phone, or by mail are also eligible for the tax exemption—so long as the order is placed and paid for during the holiday window, even if the item is delivered afterward.
Shipping and handling rules
If an entire order contains only tax-exempt items under $500, shipping and handling fees are also tax-free. However, if both taxable and exempt items are shipped together, the seller must prorate shipping costs and apply tax accordingly to the taxable portion.
Retailers must participate
Participation in the Sales Tax Holiday is mandatory for all Ohio vendors. The exemption is established by law, and stores are not permitted to opt out.
Returns and exchanges
The Ohio Department of Taxation outlines the following return and exchange policies:
- If an eligible item bought during the tax holiday is exchanged later for the same item, no sales tax is due.
- If an eligible item is exchanged after the tax holiday for a different item, sales tax applies to the new purchase.
- If a taxable item purchased before the holiday is returned during the holiday and credited toward a qualifying item, the new item is tax-free.
More information
A full list of frequently asked questions is available through the Ohio Department of Taxation website. Consumers are encouraged to review the list if they have questions about specific items or purchasing scenarios.
