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With this school year just ended, it seems a little early to be thinking about the end of summer and the start of the 2024-25 academic year. But for families who plan summer spending as carefully as possible in anticipation of next year's expenses, Gov. Mike DeWine had some important news last Friday.
The 2024 Sales Tax Holiday has been expanded. No longer just a weekend, the event will run from midnight Tuesday, July 30 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, August 8. That's a week and a half for families to take advantage of tax-free purchases -- made in-person or online -- of eligible items up to $500.
"Ohio's sales tax holiday, historically, has been meant to help families buy clothing and school supplies for the upcoming school year," DeWine said. "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."
Changes this year also include an increase in the purchase price limits for items.
Those of you hoping the exemption will apply to services, watercraft, outboard motors, motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vapor products, or any item that contains marijuana are out of luck, however.
While the policy is perhaps meant to aid lower-income families looking to get the most out of their back-to-school budgets, the truth is everyone can take advantage of the savings. Even better, the ten-day holiday could provide an opportunity to shop for school items at some of our local small businesses, too.
Whatever advantage it brings, policymakers are to be commended for extending this year's window for eliminating the sales tax. Though it might seem as though an eternity stretches between now and July 30, it will be time to shop sooner than we imagine. Take advantage of the extended sales tax holiday in Ohio -- and spread the word.