How to go
What: Ohio Sales Tax Holiday
Where: Any retailer selling merchandise in Ohio that qualifies for this offer has to participate.
When: Aug. 7-9
More info: www.tax.ohio.gov/sales_and_use/salestaxholiday/holidayfaq.aspx
Mark your calendars and start your shopping list. Ohio has a one-time sales tax holiday that will take place Aug. 7-9.
Just in time for back-to-school shopping, during the three day span the following items will be exempt from sales and use tax: an item of clothing priced at $75 or less; an item of school supplies priced at $20 or less; and an item of school instructional material priced at $20 or less.
“The Sales Tax Holiday is a huge win for consumers. The state of Ohio may benefit as well from increased sales from nonresidents visiting the state from Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and West Virginia during the three day holiday,” said Gordon M. Gough, president and chief executive officer of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants. “In addition to sales tax holiday items, individuals may buy gas; visit restaurants; and use overnight lodging. Many of these transactions would not occur from nonresidents without the Sales Tax Holiday.”
The National Retail Federation estimates the average U.S. family with school-age children spent $688.82 on back-to-school items in 2012. By forgoing state and local taxes this would represent a $38 savings for families spending that amount.
10 things
Here are 10 things to consider before you shop in order to maximize savings.
1. This offer is good on as many transactions of $75 or less for clothing or $20 or less for school supplies.
2. This applies to both physical stores located in Ohio and to online retail merchants selling in Ohio as well. Any retailer selling merchandise in Ohio that qualifies for this offer has to participate, so feel free to shop from home in your PJs.
3. Be on the lookout for deals being advertised in advance. “It’s our understanding that a lot of retailers will treat this like Black Friday,” Gough said. “It’s going to be an important holiday for retailers … . Look for advertisements ahead of time.”
4. This is not limited to kids clothing. “Clothing” is defined in this instance as all human wearing apparel suitable for general use. “Clothing” includes, but is not limited to, shirts; blouses; sweaters; pants; shorts; skirts; dresses; uniforms (athletic and nonathletic); shoes and shoe laces; insoles for shoes; sneakers; sandals; boots; overshoes; slippers; steel-toed shoes; underwear; socks and stockings; hosiery; pantyhose; footlets; coats and jackets; rainwear; gloves and mittens for general use; hats and caps; ear muffs; belts and suspenders; neckties; scarves; aprons (household and shop); lab coats; athletic supporters; bathing suits and caps; beach capes and coats; costumes; baby receiving blankets; diapers, children and adult, including disposable diapers; rubber pants; garters and garter belts; girdles; formal wear; and wedding apparel.
5. If you have favorite retailers contact them ahead of time and check websites to see what kind of deals they may be offering.
6. Sign up for email lists in advance from your favorite stores to be sure you have the most updated information and are receiving any coupons that apply.
7. Coupons do apply as long as you stay below those transaction amounts, so be sure to make the most of them.
8. Make a list before you go. It ensures you get what you need and spend wisely.
9. Do price comparisons on Aug. 6. There are good websites such as PriceWatch.com, ShopAdvisor.com, Shopping.com, PriceGrabber.com and ShopSavvy that will help expedite comparison shopping so you head to the store that can offer you the best value.
10. The notion of a sales tax holiday is a Southern state phenomenon. It’s been going on in Florida, Georgia and Alabama for many years now. It has made its way to Ohio, but only for 2015. Gough recommends that if consumers like it, then they should let their state legislators know they want this again in 2016.
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