Tax-Free Shopping: One Week Left – What Qualifies?

Ohio’s expanded 2025 sales tax holiday continues through August 14, giving Northeast Ohio families one full week to capitalize on unprecedented savings opportunities. The two-week tax-free period, which began August 1, covers almost every item priced at $500 or less – far beyond traditional back-to-school supplies.

The expansion represents a massive shift from previous years’ limited school supply focus. Electronics, furniture, home goods, sporting equipment, plants, and even restaurant meals qualify for tax exemption during the extended period.

Act Fast: Holiday Ends August 14

With the tax holiday ending at 11:59 p.m. on August 14, shoppers have exactly seven days to complete major purchases. This timing creates urgency for families considering electronics upgrades, furniture purchases, or clothing shopping they’ve been postponing.

Many retailers schedule end-of-summer clearance sales during this final week, combining regular discounts with tax savings for maximum value. Back-to-school inventory clearances overlap with the tax holiday’s final days.

What Still Qualifies for Tax-Free Status

The $500 threshold covers most household purchases families make regularly. Computers, televisions, furniture pieces, kitchen appliances, and sporting goods all qualify if individually priced under the limit.

Clothing receives unlimited exemption regardless of price per item. Designer coats, expensive shoes, and luxury apparel escape sales tax entirely during the holiday period.

Electronics represent the biggest expansion opportunity. Laptops, tablets, gaming systems, and home theater equipment under $500 become significantly more affordable with tax savings.

The Few Exclusions

Only specific categories remain taxable during the holiday. Motor vehicles, watercraft, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and marijuana items still face full tax rates.

Everything else under $500 qualifies, creating opportunities many families never considered. Home improvement supplies, garden equipment, books, and even restaurant meals become tax-free purchases.

Strategic Shopping Timing

The two-week window allows strategic timing instead of rushed weekend shopping. Families can research purchases, compare prices, and shop sales events within the tax-free period.

Online purchases qualify if ordered and paid during August 1-14, even with later delivery dates. This extends shopping options beyond local retailers to national e-commerce sites.

Mixed Purchase Rules

Buying exempt and taxable items together requires careful attention to pricing. If purchases are bundled into one non-itemized price, the entire amount becomes taxable.

Separate pricing allows tax exemption on qualifying items only. Request itemized receipts when combining exempt and taxable purchases to maximize savings.

Restaurant and Food Benefits

Dine-in restaurant meals qualify for tax exemption, creating savings on family dining during the holiday period. Dietary supplements and soft drinks also escape taxation.

This food inclusion makes the holiday valuable beyond traditional shopping, extending benefits to everyday dining decisions.

Business Compliance Requirements

Retailers must properly apply exemptions to avoid penalties. The Ohio Department of Taxation provides support for businesses navigating the expanded rules.

Mixed shipments require proportional tax calculation on shipping charges based on taxable versus exempt items in each order.

Maximum Savings Potential

Ohio’s current sales tax rates vary by location but average around 7-8% statewide. On a $500 purchase, families save $35-40 per item through the exemption.