Ohio’s tax-free holiday will last for two weeks this year. That means shoppers in Cuyahoga County can save the 8% sales tax on all sorts of items. In recent years, state lawmakers have expanded the annual sales tax break. It now includes furniture, appliances and electronics as long as they cost less than $500. And if all of the shopping has you too tired to cook, there’s also no tax on restaurant meals for the entire two-week period.
Find more details on what’s included in the tax-free holiday and how it works below.
What’s the window for Ohio’s tax-free holiday in 2025?
You can make tax-free purchases on the items covered starting Friday, Aug. 1, at midnight. In-person and online purchases must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14.
What can I buy during the Ohio sales-tax holiday?
This year’s holiday includes “tangible personal property” such as furniture, electronics, jewelry, household goods and appliances – as long as the item costs less than $500. The Ohio Department of Taxation’s FAQ on the topic says the program includes items purchased that can be “seen, weighed, measured, felt, or touched.”
What are some examples of items that won’t have sales tax?
- Electronics: Computers and software, televisions and other gadgets
- Clothing: Any apparel items
- School and office supplies: Paper, pens, markers, calculators, printers
- Books: All types, including novels and textbooks
- Home goods: Furniture, kitchenware and home décor
- Plants: Indoor and outdoor plants
- Sporting goods: Equipment and apparel for sports
- Music: Musical instruments
- Food and beverages: Dine-in food, dietary supplements and soft drinks
- Pet items: Toys and pet food.
- Health and beauty: Makeup, bath, body and hair care products
What things are NOT included in the sales-tax holiday?
- Cars, trucks, scooters
- Alcohol, tobacco products, vapor products
- Items containing marijuana
- Watercraft or outboard motors
- Services such as car repair or haircuts that are not normally taxed
How much money can I save?
The state sales tax in Ohio is 5.75%, and, with additional local sales taxes, purchases made in Cuyahoga County are typically subject to a total 8% sales tax. That means that you could save $40 on a $500 purchase.
Here’s the sale tax in nearby counties:
Lake County: 7.25%
Summit County: 6.75%
Lorain County: 6.5%
Geauga County: 6.75%
Medina County: 6.75%
Portage County: 7.0%
What if a store tells me they aren’t participating in Ohio’s tax-free holiday?
Retailers cannot opt out of participating in the holiday. If you are charged sales tax, you can ask the store or restaurant for a refund or contact the Ohio Department of Taxation at 1-888-405-4039.
Will I be charged sales tax if I buy an item online?
As long as you finish the purchase during the sale-tax-free time period, you should not be charged. It doesn’t matter when the item is actually delivered. Shipping and handling should also be tax-free. The items do not have to be delivered during the holiday.
Additionally, items placed on layaway or picked up from layaway during the holiday period are exempt from sales tax.
What if an item I want is out of stock during the sales tax holiday?
As long as you pay for the item during the tax holiday, it should still be sales tax free, even if it isn’t delivered until later.
Can I use coupons?
Retailers can still accept coupons and loyalty cards. If a discount takes the price of an eligible item below $500, no sales tax should be charged.
What happens if I need to return or exchange an item?
If you buy an item during the Ohio sales-tax holiday but need to exchange it for the same item after, the retailer should not charge sales tax. If you return an item and buy a different item after the holiday is over, you will be charged sales tax.
Help! I’m a local business and I have a sales-tax holiday question. What should I do?
If you are a business owner and have questions, contact the Ohio Department of Taxation at 1-888-405-4039 for assistance.
If you’re using text telephones (TTY) or adaptive equipment, call 1-800-750-0750 to speak with a representative.
Signal Akron staff Reegan Davis Saunders and Susan Zake contributed to this report