How to save money during Ohio’s sales tax holiday
Ohio’s tax-free holiday is no longer just a weekend. Now almost any sale can be tax-free for 10 days. Here’s when it starts.
Ohio’s sales tax holiday has begun. Ohioans get more for their money during this time and can take advantage of tax exemptions on their shopping sprees.
But when does it end? Here’s what you need to know.
When is the last day of the sales tax free period in Ohio?
The VAT exemption began on July 30 and ends on August 8 at 11:59 p.m.
Why was Ohio’s sales tax exemption extended this year?
According to the Ohio Department of Taxation website, Ohio’s sales tax-free period has been extended and made more inclusive this year.
“This expanded sales tax credit will help Ohio families pay for necessary school supplies and other major purchases at a time when many households’ budgets are under severe strain,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in announcing the expansion of the sales tax exemption.
Which purchases are exempt from sales tax in Ohio during the tax holiday?
According to the Ohio Department of Revenue, the sales tax exemption applies to all tangible personal property—essentially anything that can be touched, moved or consumed—valued at $500 or less.
But not everything gets a tax exemption.
Watercraft and motor vehicles are still subject to tax. Cigarettes, tobacco and e-cigarette products are also not affected by a short-term tax relief. Nor are items containing marijuana affected.
The new list includes tax-free purchases of food in restaurants. But there is still one major exception: beer, wine, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages are still subject to sales tax.
What are the sales tax rates in Central Ohio?
The state government imposes a 5.75% sales tax on most retail sales and services. Counties and transportation authorities impose their own fees, meaning sales tax rates vary across the state, from 6.5% in Lorain County in northeast Ohio to 8% in neighboring Cuyahoga.
The sales tax rates in Central Ohio are as follows:
- Franklin County: 7.5%
- Delaware County: 7%, with the rate in parts of Columbus and Westerville that extend into Delaware County being 7.5% because they are part of COTA’s service area.
- Licking County: 7.25%, with the rate in the portion of Reynoldsburg that extends into Licking County for COTA service being 7.75%
- Fairfield County: 6.75%, although the rate in the parts of Columbus and Reynoldsburg in Fairfield County that receive COTA services is 7.25%
- Pickaway County: 7.25%
- Madison County: 7%
- Union County: 7%, with the tax rate in the portion of Dublin extending into Union County and included in the COTA service area being 7.5%.
Would you like to know more? Ohio’s Sales Tax Free Day Is Here: What You Need to Know About This Year’s Mega Savings
Bob Vitale and Nathan Hart contributed to this report.
