Summer is just getting started, 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.

Earlier this month, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Ohio’s sales tax holiday this year will include two full weeks in August — from midnight Aug. 1 to 11:59 p.m. Aug. 14. That expansion — from a 10-day period in 2024 and from just three days in prior years — 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.

It does apply to all clothing, books, indoor and outdoor plants, sporting goods including apparel and equipment, food and beverages including dietary supplements, electronics such as televisions and computers, and even home goods including furniture, kitchenware and decor.(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)