Tax-free holiday returns

SANDUSKY — Beginning Friday, Ohio's tax-free shopping spree is back for two full weeks, allowing people to save big on hundreds of everyday items. Through the Ohio Department of Taxation, here is what consumers need to know. Q: When is the tax-free period? A: From Aug. 1-14, shoppers can enjoy an expanded sales tax holiday period on a wide range of goods, making it the perfect time to stock up for school, sports and even everyday essentials, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation. Q: How much could people save? A: Ohio's statewide sales tax rate equates to 5.75%. Each county adds on a certain percentage. For example, those in: • Erie County, which has a rate of 6.75%, stand to save $6.75 for every $100 in tax-exempt items purchased • Huron County, which has a rate of 7.25%, stand to save $7.25 for every $100 in tax-exempt items purchased Previously, tax-free purchases were capped at $75 per clothing item and $20 for school supplies. Now each tax-free item can cost up to $500 with no limit on the number of items purchased. Now all tangible personal property — defined as property that can be seen, weighed, measured, felt or touched — priced at $500 or less per item is tax-free. But understand this: • If something costs more than $500, then it is not exempted during Ohio's tax-free holiday. But what if the selling price of an item is $600? Is the first $500 exempt from sales tax? Short answer, no. The exemption applies to items selling for $500 or less. If an item sells for more than $500, tax is due on the entire selling price. • Multiple qualifying items individually priced at $500 or lower are tax-exempt. For example, the purchase of two shirts, two pairs of pants, a pair of shoes and a jacket with each item costing $100 for a total purchase $600 would be tax-exempt. The qualification is determined item by item and not on the total overall price. Q: What items are eligible for tax exemption? A: In past years, only school supplies, instructional materials and clothing under specific price limits were tax-exempt. Now, the list of eligible items has dramatically expanded. Tax-exempt items include: • Electronics and tech gadgets, including computers and televisions • Sporting goods, including equipment and apparel for sports • Clothing and shoes • School supplies and backpacks • Home goods, including furniture, kitchenware and home decor • Restaurant meals consumed on-site; This also applies to supplements and soft drinks. • Online purchases if ordered and paid for during the holiday Because it's set by state law, all vendors must comply. Excluded items include alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, marijuana related items, motor vehicles and watercraft, according to a news release. This also applies to purchases not made in person. "Qualified items sold to consumers by mail, telephone, email or internet shall qualify for the sales tax exemption if the consumer orders and pays for the item and the retailer accepts the order during the exemption period for immediate shipment, even if delivery is made after the exemption period," according to the state. People can visit tax.ohio.gov for more information.