Introduction
If you are an Ohio resident, you may already know about the annual tax-free weekend, but for those who don’t, this article will give you all the information you need. Tax-free weekends are a temporary period where Ohio residents can make certain purchases without paying state sales tax. This article will provide insight on when is Ohio Tax-Free Weekend, eligible items, and smart shopping tips to help maximize your savings.
Mark Your Calendars: Ohio Tax-Free Weekend is Approaching!
Ohio Tax-Free Weekend usually takes place on the first Friday of August and extends until Sunday evening. In 2021, Ohio Tax-Free Weekend will start on August 6 and end on August 8. During this time, you can purchase certain items without paying state sales tax, which is currently at 5.75%.
Eligible items include clothing and footwear priced at $75 or less per item, school supplies priced at $20 or less per item, and instructional materials priced at $20 or less per item. The value of items purchased online is also tax-free as long as the order is placed and paid for during the tax-free weekend.
Shopping during Ohio Tax-Free Weekend can help you save money while also allowing you to make back-to-school purchases or prepare for the next season.
Ohio Tax-Free Weekend 101: Everything You Need to Know
To be eligible for tax-free shopping, you must meet certain criteria based on the state’s regulations. Individuals making purchases should be Ohio residents, and the purchases must be for personal or household use, not for business or commercial purposes. Eligible items include clothing priced at $75 or less per item, specified school supplies priced at $20 or less per item, and specific instructional materials priced at $20 or less per item.
Exclusions include items priced above the thresholds mentioned above, items used in trade or business, items rented or leased, hotel rentals, and any services.
If you prefer online shopping, you can still enjoy tax-free savings during Ohio Tax-Free Weekend, given that you follow the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for tax-free purchases, the order must be received by the retailer during the tax-free weekend, and shipping or handling shouldn’t take place after the tax-free period ends.
While Ohio Tax-Free Weekend can help you save money, it’s important to avoid impulse buying and overspending. You can opt to prepare a budget plan or a shopping list beforehand to help keep track of your purchases.
Don’t Miss Out on Ohio Tax-Free Weekend; Here’s How to Prepare
Preparation is key when shopping during Ohio Tax-Free Weekend. You mustn’t forget to research prices and deals offered by retailers to ensure you are getting the best possible value for your purchases. It’s also crucial to know each store’s policies, including their return and exchange policies for any items that may need to be returned or exchanged.
If you plan to shop in-store, it’s important to know when specific stores open and their policies regarding popular items such as school supplies or clothing. This will help you anticipate crowds and long lines and avoid unnecessary stress. Try shopping at off-peak hours or early in the morning to avoid crowds and find the products you need with ease.
Creating a shopping list helps you stay organized and prevents you from making impulse purchases. You can prioritize the items you need the most and allocate sufficient funds for each item. It also helps you to navigate your way through different stores without wandering or feeling overwhelmed.
Make sure to compare online and in-store prices to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your purchases. Some stores offer deals and discounts exclusively for online purchases, while others offer deals and discounts exclusively in-store. App-powered savings platforms like Rakuten, Honey, and RetailMeNot can provide a list of discounts and coupons for different stores, thereby saving you both time and money.
Shop Smarter, Not Harder: Ohio Tax-Free Weekend is Here
With the exciting deals and discounts during Ohio Tax-Free Weekend, it’s easy to get carried away and lose track of your budget. Shopping smarter is crucial for those looking to save the most during tax-free weekend.
Avoiding crowded stores and long lines is a simple yet effective way to ensure a stress-free shopping experience. You can try shopping at different times of the day, sticking to weekdays, and prioritizing less popular stores to avoid crowds and long lines.
Keep an eye out for deals and discounts offered at different stores. Popular retailers such as Macy’s, Target, and Walmart often offer storewide discounts and deals. You can also check for online deals to help you save money and avoid the crowds.
Sticking to your shopping list and budget is crucial during Ohio Tax-Free Weekend. To prevent overspending, you can allocate a specific amount for each item on your list and keep track of your purchases as you make them. This will help you know when you’ve reached your budget’s limit and avoid overspending.
Maximize Your Savings During Ohio Tax-Free Weekend
You can optimize your savings during Ohio Tax-Free Weekend by utilizing coupons, discounts, and promo codes. Some stores offer coupons explicitly for Ohio Tax-Free Weekend, while others may accept retailer coupons or even competitor coupons.
Bulk purchases can also help you save even more. Buying in bulk or in advance can help you save more than purchasing one item at a time. Splitting purchases with friends or family members can also help you take advantage of bulk pricing without making unnecessary purchases.
Timing your purchases can also help you save money. Some stores offer flash sales or specific time slots for discounted pricing. By timing your purchases correctly, you can take advantage of these deals, thereby saving money and getting the products you need.
Comparing prices across different stores is key to optimizing your savings. Utilize apps like ShopSavvy or PriceGrabber to find the best deals across different stores, and determine which store offers the best value for your money.
Ohio Tax-Free Weekend: The Perfect Time to Stock Up on Summer Essentials
During Ohio Tax-Free Weekend, there are various eligible items for tax-free shopping. Understanding these items can ensure that you take full advantage of the amazing deals and discounts. Here are some of the eligible items for tax-free shopping:
Clothing and Shoes – Anything priced at $75 or less per item qualifies for tax-free shopping during Ohio Tax-Free Weekend. This is the perfect time to stock up on summer essentials like t-shirts, shorts, dresses, and sandals.
School Supplies and Essentials – Specific school supplies priced below $20 are eligible for tax-free shopping. This includes items like textbooks, notebooks, pens, pencils, and backpacks.
Personal Electronics and Devices – Personal electronics and devices priced $20 or less per item are tax-free during Ohio Tax-Free Weekend. This includes items like smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. Please note, however, that the state does not accept purchases of computer equipment, which includes computer hardware, software, and related peripherals such as printers, speakers, or keyboards.
Home Appliances and Furniture – Specialized appliances like thermostats, microwaves, and air conditioning units are all eligible for tax-free shopping. You can also purchase furniture pieces like sofas and chairs during Ohio Tax-Free Weekend.
Conclusion
Ohio Tax-Free Weekend can help you save money while making necessary purchases. With the tips outlined in this article, you can take full advantage of the tax-free weekend, be prepared, and avoid overspending, and opt for smart shopping instead. Don’t forget to share this knowledge with your family, friends, and loved ones so that they can also enjoy the benefits of tax-free shopping during Ohio Tax-Free Weekend.
