ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Getting the kids ready for a new school year can be a daunting task.

That’s why Ohio’s Sales Tax Holiday is so important to families who want to make the most of their back-to-school shopping haul.

From Aug. 1-14, two full weeks, there will be no sales tax on any item of tangible merchandise (clothing, footwear, dine-in food, school supplies, sports equipment, personal care products, etc.) costing $500 or less. Personal computers, laptops and tablets priced at $1,500 or less are also tax-free.

There’s no limit on the number of items purchased. For example, if a parent buys six shirts and five pants, each priced at $50, the total sales price would be $550. But because each item costs under $500, there would be no sales tax.

Certainly, there are a few limitations. For example, alcoholic beverages, watercraft, motor vehicles and tobacco are not exempt. For more detailed information on the Sales Tax Holiday, visit tax.ohio.gov/help-center/faqs/sales-and-use-tax-sales-tax-holiday/sales%20and-use-tax-sales-tax-holiday.

Ohio Valley Mall will help parents stretch their dollars even further with a special offer from July 21 through Aug. 17. A shopper who spends at least $250, in any combination of mall stores, will be able to take the receipts to the Customer Service Center and receive a free $25 mall gift card, while supplies last.

The Ohio Valley Mall, located off Interstate 70, exit 218-Mall Road, in St. Clairsville features more than 100 retailers, restaurateurs and hotels. Ohio Valley Mall is owned and managed in association with Cafaro Co.-affiliated entities, based in Niles, Ohio. For more information visit online at: cafarocompany.com and ohiovalleymall.net.