Ohio’s sales tax holiday increases to 10 days as back-to-school shopping ramps up

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Ohio’s sales tax holiday is just around the corner and there are some changes to the annual event this year.

The tax-free holiday will now last 10 days. It will begin on Tuesday, July 30th and will end on Thursday, August 8th. This is compared to just three days in previous years. Store manager of Walmart in West Chester Scott Valentine says this will make aisles less congested and easier for customers to shop.

“Sunday was really busy. That was always the last day. A lot of people forgot about it, so they were rushing to the store. This year, it’s spread out over 10 days. It gives us more time, the customers more time, and it’s easier to stock the shelves back up,” Valentine says.

Any item up to $500 will also be tax-free. This includes dining at restaurants as well.

The holiday comes just as back-to-school shopping ramps up. Zack Hinger from West Chester was shopping with his three daughters when Local 12 caught up with him about how much he spends on school supplies.

He said, “Probably a couple hundred dollars each year. It’s getting a little more as each kid gets added to school.”

Eliminating the sales tax saves shoppers an average of 6.5% off their purchases. Although Hinger will be on vacation when the holiday rolls around, he said, “We’ve been pretty happy with the savings we’ve been able to find here and around town.”

There are some exceptions to the holiday including vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and vapor products.

Kentucky and Indiana do not have sales tax holidays.

All of the details regarding the holiday can be found here.