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August arrives next week. And with it comes the waning days of summer vacation for local students. More so it seems nowadays with classes beginning earlier and earlier for many districts. Can you remember back when the school year did not start until after Labor Day? We do. Barely.
Of course now is the time for parents, grandparents and guardians to get a jump on school shopping including supplies and clothing.
Shoppers will be getting soon a little break. What used to be a Tax Free Weekend has been expanded to 10 days. Ohio sets aside at least three days each year (to include the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in August) for consumers to buy certain items without sales tax. This sales tax holiday helps families buy clothing, supplies, and more items for the coming school year. The 10-day period should certainly help single moms and dads find time in busy schedules to shop.
The 2024 sales tax holiday will take place from midnight this Tuesday, July 30, until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8. Also, more purchases are eligible. Visit the Ohio Department of Taxation web page for more details.
The sales tax holiday is set by law and vendors/retailers must comply. Ohioans can make tax-free purchases in person or online on eligible items of up to $500. The previous sales tax holiday included only school-related items with a $75 limit.
The sales tax holiday will not include tangible personal property that is over $500. The sales tax holiday does not include an exemption for the purchase of watercraft, outboard motors, motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vapor products or items that contain marijuana. Though the timing of the tax-free period is designed to help with back-to-school demans, the tax break list now includes food consumed at a restaurant -- but not takeout. Ohio.gov provides details.
The idea largely is aimed at back-to-school time. With many families facing a need for charity to offer the most-needed supplies for their children, it makes sense to offer some relief to those who can pay but whose budgets will be strained at this time of year.
It also should give a little break to many school teachers who equip their classrooms out of their own pocket. According to the National Education Association Foundation and the Economic Policy Institute, more than 90 percent of public school teachers in the United States will each spend about $460 out of their own pockets for school supplies without reimbursement.
Back-to-school is stressful for students and parents. Anything that can help such as the tax break is a big help.