Save the Day

That sound you hear is cash register ringing up just a little bit less money, at least through Aug. 8.

The Ohio annual sales tax holiday is currently in effect, with even more purchases eligible this year. During this timeframe, customer pay no sales tax on back-to-school items and other purchases.

Ohio sets aside at least three days each year – including the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in August –for consumers to buy certain items. The sales tax holiday is designed to help people buy clothing, supplies, and items needed for the upcoming school year.

This year, the expansion from a weekend to 10 days offers more chances for even more people to save money while getting ready for school or college.

The sales tax holiday includes “all tangible personal property that is $500 or less” except watercraft or outboard motor and motor vehicles. Sadly for teachers heading back to school, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vapor products, or items that contains marijuana are not part of the exemption. Food is included in the exemption this year. (If you want to check if something is covered, please refer to the FAQ on the Ohio Department of Taxation website.)

Though cars aren’t part of the tax holiday exemption, some car parts are. At Tire Discounters, you can purchase a set of tires without paying any sales tax.

During this 10-day window, you will also pay zero state and local sales tax on automotive parts including:

• Wheels

• Oil & Other Fluids

• Brakes

• Auto Glass

• Wiper Blades

• Filters

• Belts

• Hoses

This year, the expanded holiday includes a new category – restaurant meals.  Dine-in meals are included in the tax exemption. You can take those new, tax-free tires for a spin to Moerlein Lager House, where you can enjoy tax-free dining (but not alcohol, please see above) during the sales-tax holiday.