(Ohio) – Thanks to Ohio’s upcoming Tax Free Weekend, back to school season doesn’t have to be a fortune.
Ohio’s tax free holiday runs from Friday, August 3rd through Sunday, August 5th. It allows families to purchase qualifying school supplies and clothing free of state and use tax. The following items qualify for the tax exemption:
- Clothing priced at $75 per item or less
- School supplies priced at $20 or less
- School instructional material priced at $20 per item or less.
The Ohio Department of Taxation also notes items used in a trade or business are not exempt under the sales tax holiday.
1.) KNOW WHAT QUALIFIES
One of the best parts about the tax free weekend, those of you with babies, diapers count too! Here is the complete list of qualifying items:
CLOTHING
- Shirts, blouses, sweaters
- Pants, shorts, skirts
- Dresses
- Uniforms (athletic and nonathletic)
- Shoes and shoelaces, shoe insoles, sneakers, sandals, boots, overshoes, steel-toed shoes
- Slippers
- Underwear
- Socks and stockings
- Hosiery, pantyhose, footless
- Coats and jackets
- Rainwear
- Gloves and mittens
- Hats and caps
- Earmuffs
- 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
- Rubber pants
- Garters and garter belts
- Girdles
- Formal wear and wedding appeal
More information on what does NOT qualify as ‘clothing’ can be found here.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
- Binders
- Book bags
- Calculators
- Cellophane tape
- Blackboard chalk
- Compasses
- Composition books
- Crayons
- Erasers
- Folders (expandable, pocket, plastic and manila)
- Glue and paste and paste sticks
- Highlighters
- Index cards and boxes
- Leal pads
- Lunch boxes
- Markers
- Notebooks
- Paper
- Loose leaf ruled notebook paper
- Copy paper
- Graph paper
- Tracing paper
- Manila paper
- Colored paper
- Poster board and construction paper
- Pencil boxes and other school supply boxes
- Pencil sharpeners
- Pencils and pens
- Protractors
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Writing tablets.
More information on what does NOT qualify as ‘School Supplies’ can be found here.
SCHOOL INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL
- Reference books
- Reference maps and globes
- Textbooks
- Workbooks
2.) KNOW WHAT YOU NEED
Be sure to check out your school district’s website to find out exactly what your child needs. Many local retailers keep the school supply list for area school districts at the front of the store as well.
3.) STUDY
To get the most bang for your buck, you may consider doing a bit of studying yourself. Once you know what you need, check out and compare prices across retailers such as Target, Walmart, Dollar Store and others. As for clothing items, you may also visit local consignment stores to save even more such as Plato’s Closet, Clothes Mentor, Once Upon a Child, Goodwill etc.
Also, don’t forget to scan for coupons! While each retailer is different, many times they will accept current coupons on top of the tax-free deals!
4.) SHOP ONLINE
Shopping online is also another option. This will allow you to take your time when choosing items and to feel less stressed when trying to pair coupons or compare prices.
5.) SAVE NOW
According to reports, the average family spends roughly $600 every year for back to school shopping. Finance experts suggest starting to save now. A little at a time tossed in an envelope or left untouched in your bank account can lessen the blow when it’s time to send the kids back to school.
More information and frequently asked questions about the tax free holiday can be found here.
