Not every Ohio business has gone sales tax free and it’s causing major problems

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) -It’s time for Ohio’s annual sale tax holiday, which has been expanded in multiple ways this year, but unfortunately not every business got the memo.

State law allows for the suspension of sales tax, for at least three days, on the first weekend of August to help parents with back-to-school shopping.

But this year the dates were expanded so people can save money from Tuesday, July 30, until Thursday, Aug. 8.

Not only will you save on the 5.75% sales tax from the state, if your county (which most do) has tacked on an extra sales tax, that will be suspended as well.

In the past, the tax was suspended only on clothing items and shoes that were less than $75, and school supply items less than $20 each.

This year, the dollar amount has been expanded to any item $500 or less per item, and applies to just about everything.

Want to buy a $300 fishing rod and reel, it’s sales tax free.

Want to buy a new pair of Nikes for $499, it’s sale tax free.

It no longer has to be just clothes or school supply items.

One change that will excite foodies is that restaurants are also required to suspend sales taxes for the entire period for dine-in orders.

Before you get upset, take-out food and food to-go is never to be taxed in Ohio.

Online orders for websites like Amazon will also be tax exempt as long as you are charged for the item during the holiday period.

Cleveland 19 News has heard from several people who say they are shopping and still being taxed.

One caller told us she was charged sales tax at a pet supply company, and when she asked for a refund the store told her they couldn’t do it, and they couldn’t get their computer system to stop charging.

We contacted the Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT) who said they are extremely busy trying to deal with the expanded tax holiday.

“Businesses who improperly charge sales tax during the holiday can be subject to penalties,” an email said from the ODT. “However, the Department of Taxation’s focus during the newly expanded sales tax holiday is to provide education to vendors or sellers, particularly small businesses, on the requirements of the holiday.”

There is also recourse for any shopper who was charged taxes on purchases.

“If an Ohioan is charged sales tax erroneously, that resident may file for a consumer direct refund, directly with the Department of Taxation. Sales Tax Refund forms can be found on our website.

There are of course exceptions to what is tax free but the list is short.

It does not apply to the following:

• Cars
• Watercraft
• Alcohol
• Any tobacco or vaping products
• Any products containing weed

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