'Why not get a tax break?' Ohio's sales tax holiday expands to 10 days, adds restaurants

With rising costs of just about everything, the average family is expected to spend about $875 on back-to-school shopping.

Ohio's sales tax holiday offers a little financial relief. It begins at midnight July 30 and runs until 11:59 p.m. Aug. 8 — several weeks before kids are set to head back to the classroom. Shoppers can save on school supplies and clothing. And for the first time restaurant meals.

"I hope that brings in a lot of business," said Zac Take, general manager of The Howlin Bird's newest location in Massillon. "No one wants to pay that much and everything is so expensive. Why not get a break?"

A provision in the state budget added more tax-free days to this year's holiday, giving shoppers 10 days — instead of three — to take advantage of the tax break. It also added more eligible items to the list and increased the limit per item.

The National Retail Federation estimates families will spend more than $38 billion this year shopping for back-to-school supplies. Consumers will spend about $309 on electronics, $253 on clothing and accessories, $170 on shoes, and about $142 on supplies.

Here's what you need to know to take advantage of the sales tax holiday:

What is the sales tax rate in Stark County?

State government imposes a 5.75% sales tax on most retail sales and services. Counties and transit authorities add their own charges, which means rates vary across the state , from 6.5% to 8%.

Here's the sales tax rates in the Canton region:

Stark: 6.5%

Carroll: 7%

Columbiana: 7.25%

Holmes: 7%

Mahoning: 7.5%

Portage: 7%

Summit: 6.75%

Tuscarawas: 6.75%

Wayne: 6.5%

What items are eligible for the tax credit?

According to the Ohio Department of Taxation, the sales tax waiver will cover all tangible personal property that is $500 or less. Watercraft, vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, vapor products and items containing marijuana are not included in the holiday.

Dine-in food purchases at restaurants are tax-free. But beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages will still have sales tax applied to them. Food purchased at a drive-thru or for carryout or delivery already are not taxed.

Can I purchase more than one item in a single transaction?

There is no limit on the amount of the total purchase. The qualification is determined item by item. So if you buy a $500 computer and a $80 pair of jeans, no tax will be assessed.

Retailers cannot split up the cost of an item, but coupons and other discounts can be used. Items must be $500 or less, consumers cannot get a tax credit for the first $500 of a product.

Are online purchases eligible?

Yes. Any qualifying items purchased online during the 10-day holiday will be tax exempt. Shipping and handling costs are also tax-free.

Buyer beware. Make sure what time zone your seller is located. If you make a purchase at midnight July 30 and your seller is in the Pacific time zone, then it is before July 30 and your item will not be tax-free. Wait several hours until it's midnight at your seller's location and then it is eligible for the tax break.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.

On Twitter: @aknappINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: 'Why not get a tax break?' Ohio's sales tax holiday expands to 10 days, adds restaurants