Patterson introduces permanent back-to-school sales tax holiday

State Rep. John Patterson (D-Jefferson) today announced the introduction of legislation to establish a three-day sales tax “holiday” during the first weekend of August for “back-to-school” clothing and school supplies. Not only will the holiday help offset Ohio’s 4.5 percent sales tax increase enacted by the 2013 state budget, but for three days shoppers will pay no sales tax on itemized purchases as they prepare their children for the coming of the new school year. A similar proposal launched Ohio’s first temporary sales tax holiday in August 2015.

“The 2015 sales tax holiday was only a temporary pilot project, but it successfully brought much-needed tax relief to Ohio parents and other shoppers,” said Patterson. “Working families across the state saved their hard-earned dollars and supported local Ohio businesses instead of crossing state lines to avoid paying sales taxes. I believe Ohio should make the sales tax holiday permanent in order to provide annual relief to families during the back-to-school season.”

Under Patterson’s proposal, qualifying products will include items of clothing that are $75 or less, school supplies that are $25 or less, and school instructional materials that are $20 or less. Certain exceptions include electronics, clothing accessories, protective sports equipment, and sewing equipment.