Take advantage of 2017 Ohio’s sales tax holiday

As a former elementary school teacher, I know that back-toschool shopping this time of year can be incredibly costly for parents and educators. That’s why I’m pleased to remind all families to take advantage of Ohio’s Sales Tax Holiday again this year on Aug. 4, 5 and 6.

During this three-day period, families can take advantage of this unique tax-free weekend when purchasing qualifying items. The event is meant to ease the burden for families and ensure that students have the items necessary to succeed in the classroom. Even a little savings can go a long way and our children deserve to return to the classroom prepared and our families deserve a chance to keep more of their hard-earned money.

Savings would again apply to items of clothing priced at $75 or less, commonly used school supplies — crayons, book bags, pencils, etc.— priced at $20 or less, and school instructional materials like textbooks and workbooks priced at $20 or less. The price limits apply per item, so consumers can buy as many taxexempt items under the price limit as they wish, either online or in stores.

Teachers will be able to stretch their classroom dollars a little further, local retailers will see a much-needed boost in sales and working families will get some relief during this expensive time of year as their children are outfitted with new clothes and supplies. Ohio’s Sales Tax Holiday is possible thanks to continuous improvements to Ohio’s business climate. In fact, since January 2011, lowering the tax burden for all Ohioans and eliminating burdensome red tape has contributed to the creation of more than 460,000 new private sector jobs in our state.

The first day of school should be an exciting time for students and parents alike. When your children return to the classroom in just a few short weeks, I hope Ohio’s Sales Tax Holiday leaves you with more of your hardearned money in your pocket and your children better equipped to succeed during the school year.

Gayle Manning