|
|
 |
|
The
views expressed
on this page are soley those of the author and do not
necessarily
represent the views of County News Online
|
 |
State Senator Bill Beagle
Back-to-School
Sales Tax Holiday
In our household the back-to-school season brings with it many
emotions, excitement, stress, busyness, exhaustion, as well as shock of
the costs of new clothes and school supplies. I’m happy to share that
the state has stepped in to help with at least the last one and next
weekend will mark the first-ever back-to-school sales tax holiday in
Ohio.
Last year, Senate Bill 243 was signed into law which creates the sales
tax holiday from midnight on August 7 until midnight on August 9. Ohio
consumers will be exempt from the usual 6.75 percent state sales tax on
all clothing and footwear up to $75 per item and school supplies up to
$20 per item.
While each clothing item purchased at $75 or less will be exempt from
sales tax, there are some exceptions. For example, an item listed as
"buy one, get one free" and totaling $80 will not qualify for a per
item price of $40, below the threshold. Sales tax will still be owed on
these items because the offer is above the $75 per item limit. For more
information about discounts, shopping online and eligible items visit:
www.tax.ohio.gov/sales_and_use/salestaxholiday/holidayfaq.aspx.
Also, items purchased during the sales tax holiday that are used for
trade or business are subject to a consumer’s use tax and businesses
should claim these items on a use tax account or contact the Department
of Taxation for a use tax form.
This sales tax holiday will benefit everyone. Working families will get
some relief during this expensive time of year as they outfit their
growing children with new clothes and supplies, teachers will be able
to stretch their classroom dollars a little farther, and our local
retailers will benefit from some additional sales.
Improving everyone’s economic prospects is our main job in Columbus.
Better jobs, better education, lower cost of living through fewer taxes
all add up to a better future for Ohioans. So as you get ready for
another busy back-to-school season, know that we’re working to make
sure your hard earned dollars are spent wisely and you can rest assured
that this is a task from which we can’t "take a holiday."
|
|
|
|
