From School Supplies to Meals: Ohio Expands Tax-Free Days for 2024
Ohio's sales tax holiday is getting a major upgrade for 2024. It’s more than back-to-school.
Good news: Ohio residents can enjoy an expanded sales tax holiday this year, offering savings on various purchases. Gov. Mike DeWine announced that the 2024 sales tax holiday will run for ten days — a notable extension from previous years.
"Ohio's sales tax holiday, historically, has been meant to help families buy clothing and school supplies for the upcoming school year,” DeWine stated in a release, adding, “This expanded sales tax break will help Ohio's families with back-to-school necessities as well as other substantial purchases during a time when so many household budgets are being strained."
Here’s more of what you need to know before you shop (or dine).
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Ohio tax-free days expanded: When does it start?
This year's sales tax holiday in Ohio runs from Tuesday, July 30, through Thursday, August 8. This ten-day window of tax-free shopping is a notable expansion from the traditional three-day sales tax holidays held in many states.
And there’s more good tax news for Ohioans. The 2024 tax-exemption benefits extend beyond school supplies (more on that below).
One notable change is the increase in the price limit for eligible items.
- Previously, the tax exemption applied to clothing items priced at $75 or less and school supplies at $20 or less.
- Now, consumers can enjoy tax-free purchases on eligible items priced up to $500, regardless of the total purchase amount.
Note: You can take advantage of these savings in-store and online.
Eligible items for Ohio tax holiday 2024
Most items priced up to $500 per item are eligible for the sales tax holiday. This is an expansion from previous years, where only specific categories were included. For example:
- Clothing items were previously limited to $75 per item.
- School supplies and instructional materials were previously limited to $20 per item.
The expanded holiday also introduces a new category: restaurant meals.
For the first time, dine-in meals at restaurants are included in the tax exemption.
It's important to note that this applies only to food consumed on the premises, not to carry-out or delivery orders.
What’s not included in Ohio tax-free days?
Certain items remain excluded from the tax holiday. These include services, watercraft, motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and items containing marijuana.
Tax-free days Ohio: Bottom line
As the Ohio tax-free period for 2024 approaches, it might help to plan your purchases to take advantage of savings, whether you're stocking up on school supplies, upgrading home essentials, or enjoying a meal out.
And keep in mind that this expanded sales tax holiday isn’t the only tax change in Ohio this year. Ohio is implementing new personal income tax rates for 2024. The number of state tax brackets is being reduced from four to three, with the top two brackets combined into one.
The new tax rates will be 0% for income up to $26,050, 2.75% for income between $26,051 and $100,000, and 3.5% for income above $100,001.
Related
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
As the senior tax editor at Kiplinger.com, Kelley R. Taylor simplifies federal and state tax information, news, and developments to help empower readers. Kelley has over two decades of experience advising on and covering education, law, finance, and tax as a corporate attorney and business journalist.
-
California Fires: How to Recover Tax Records and Other Important Documents
Disaster Recovery Having your tax records and other vital documents is important for claiming casualty loss deductions that can help with recovery.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
10 Reasons to Leave Your Heirs a Roth IRA
Including a Roth IRA in your estate plan has clear tax advantages, which can be passed along to your heirs for years to come. But if passed down incorrectly, your heirs won’t reap the full benefits.
By Kathryn Pomroy Published
-
California Fires: How to Recover Tax Records and Other Important Documents
Disaster Recovery Having your tax records and other vital documents is important for claiming casualty loss deductions that can help with recovery.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
Child and Dependent Care Credit: How Much Is It?
CDCTC The non-refundable tax break can help working families afford quality care for their child or qualifying dependent.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
Gov. Hochul Wants to Triple the New York Child Tax Credit
State Tax Millions of New York families could get a larger state child tax credit check over the next two years under a new proposal.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
U.S. Consumers May Feel Pinch From Panama Canal Tariff Hike
Tax Policy The Panama Canal tariffs on crossing ships will add to looming price hikes for U.S. consumers as Trump threatens to take control of the historic waterway.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): How Much Is It Worth?
Tax Credits This tax break can help you offset $2,500 in qualifying expenses tied to your higher education. Here's what you need to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
Does Your State Have a Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit?
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Over two dozen states, plus the District of Columbia offer tax credits or deductions for working families.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Should Rent Be Part of Your Retirement Plans?
Retirement Taxes Retiree renters may qualify for potential tax savings. Are you considering a move?
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
On the Naughty List: Holiday Tax Scams to Look Out For
Tax Tips The IRS says scammers are on the prowl for your financial information. Know the signs so you don't fall victim.
By Kate Schubel Last updated