Representative Merrin's Repeal of Prescription Eyewear Tax Goes into Effect July 1, 2019

COLUMBUS – State Representative Derek Merrin (R- Monclova Township) today announced prescription eyewear can be purchased tax free effective July 1st. Representative Merrin authored House Bill 116 from last General Assembly repealing the sales tax, and the language was amended into a budget correction bill.

“It was a tough fight, but we finally won. Ohioan’s can finally purchase prescription lenses, frames, and contacts tax free,” said Merrin.

Keith Kerns, Executive Director for the Ohio Optometric Association said, “We appreciate Rep. Derek Merrin’s leadership and are thrilled that Ohioans now have better access to prescription eyewear with the tax burden removed.”

Eyeglasses and corrective contacts significantly improve lives of Ohioan’s by enabling many to maintain employment, learn, live safely, and have mobility. The legislation saves taxpayers an estimated $30 million annually, and makes a medical necessity more accessible and affordable. Also, Ohio optometrists have been incurring significant administrative costs processing insurance payments in conjunction with the sales tax, and now the burden is removed.

This tax repeal goes into effect on July 1, 2019 saving tax dollars while creating a simpler and fairer taxation structure on prescriptions.