When does Ohio's sales tax holiday end? Here's what to know about the final hours

Ohio's sales-tax holiday is underway. Ohioans have been getting more bang for their buck and a break from taxes for their shopping sprees during the period.

But when does it end? Here's what to know.

When is the last day of Ohio's sales tax holiday?

The sale-tax holiday began on July 30 and will end at 11:59 p.m. on August 8.

Why was the sales-tax holiday expanded in Ohio this year?

This year, Ohio's sales-tax holiday was expanded to make it longer and more inclusive, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation website .

“This expanded sales tax break will help Ohio’s families with back-to-school necessities as well as other substantial purchases during a time when so many household budgets are being strained,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said when he announced the expansion of the sales tax holiday.

What purchases are exempt from Ohio's sales tax during the tax holiday?

According to the Ohio Department of Taxation, the sales tax holiday covers all tangible personal property — basically, anything that can be touched, moved or consumed — that costs $500 or less.

But not everything gets a tax holiday .

Watercraft and motor vehicles remain taxable. Cigarettes, tobacco and vaping products aren't in line for a short-term tax break, either. Nor are any items containing marijuana.

The new list does include tax-free dine-in food purchases at restaurants. But here's another big exception: Sales taxes still apply to beer, wine, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.

What are sales tax rates in central Ohio?

State government imposes a 5.75% sales tax on most retail sales and services. Counties and transit authorities add their own charges, which means sales tax rates vary across the state , from 6.5% in northeast Ohio's Lorain County to 8% in neighboring Cuyahoga.

Central Ohio sales-tax rates are as follows:

• Franklin County: 7.5%
• Delaware County: 7%, although the rate is 7.5% in portions of Columbus and Westerville that extend into Delaware County because they are part of COTA's service territory
• Licking County: 7.25%, although the rate is 7.75% in the portion of Reynoldsburg that extends into Licking County for COTA services
• Fairfield County: 6.75%, although the rate is 7.25% in Fairfield County portions of Columbus and Reynoldsburg that receive COTA service
• Pickaway County: 7.25%
• Madison County: 7%
• Union County: 7%, although the rate is 7.5% in the portion of Dublin that extends into Union County and is part of COTA's service area

Want to know more? Ohio sales tax holiday is here: What to know about this year's supersized savings

Bob Vitale and Nathan Hart contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When does Ohio's sales tax holiday end? Here's what to know about the final hours