Summer is just getting started — it officially arrived yesterday –and most families would prefer not to have to think about the start of the next school year just yet. But a little planning is important and the state is certainly thinking ahead.

Gov. Mike DeWine recently announced Ohio’s sales tax holiday this year will be two full weeks in August — from midnight Aug. 1 to 11:59 p.m. Aug. 14. That expansion could make a significant difference for families looking to start off the school year as inexpensively as possible.

“The timing of this year’s sales tax holiday not only supports families preparing for back-to-school, but also provides relief on other important household needs,” DeWine said.

The exemption does not apply for services, purchases of motor vehicles, watercraft, outboard motors, alcohol, tobacco, vapor products or any item containing marijuana. But it does apply to qualifying purchases in-store and online.

(Learn more about what you can, and cannot buy under the exemption here: https://tax.ohio.gov/business/ohio-business-taxes/sales-and-use/sales-tax-holiday)

With “almost all tangible personal property priced at $500 or less” being tax-free for two weeks, state Senate President Rob McColley, R-Dist. 1, is right to want to spread the word about this change because “It is the people’s money first, and they know how best to spend it.”

An opportunity for families to get what they need and keep more of their money in their pockets is not something to miss.

In fewer than seven weeks, that window will open. Plan ahead and get the most out of it.