Rep. Sweeney: Sales tax holiday offers short-term relief, but Ohio must do more to lower costs for families

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) is reminding Ohio families that the state’s annual back-to-school sales tax holiday begins today, while emphasizing the need for broader, long-term action to put more money back into the pockets of working families.

The sales tax holiday will run from 12:00 a.m. Friday, August 7 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 9, 2026, providing a temporary break from state and local sales taxes on certain back-to-school essentials.

“Families are feeling the squeeze not just during back-to-school season, but all year long—whether it’s groceries, childcare, or housing,” Rep. Sweeney added. “Tax policy should reflect that reality. We should be focused on sustained, meaningful ways to ease the burden on working families, not just temporary fixes.”

During the three-day holiday, the following items will be exempt from state and local sales tax:

• Clothing priced at $75 or less per item
• School supplies priced at $20 or less per item
• School instructional materials priced at $20 or less per item

The annual sales tax holiday was established to coincide with peak back-to-school shopping, helping families save on essential items as students prepare to return to the classroom.

Additional information, including a full list of eligible items and guidance for consumers and retailers, is available through the Ohio Department of Taxation.