Back-to-school Shoppers Cash In On West Virginia Tax Break
West Virginia’s Holiday This Weekend, Ohio’s Is Aug. 7-9
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TRIADELPHIA - St. Clairsville resident Connie McKeever decided to get a head start on school shopping for her grandchildren on Friday, taking advantage of West Virginia's sales tax-free weekend at The Highlands.
Her grandchildren Jack McKeever, 12, and Gabriella, 9, were busy picking out new clothes at Target.
"There are lots of stores to visit at The Highlands," she said. "They like it because grandma buys them pretty much whatever they want."
Families like the McKeevers can save some money while back-to-school shopping this weekend in West Virginia and Aug. 7-9 in Ohio.
The sales tax holidays are aimed at giving families' wallets a break while buying the school supplies and clothing needed for a new school year.
West Virginia's sales tax holiday began Friday and will continue through 11:59 p.m. Monday. West Virginia's state sales tax is 6%.
To qualify, clothing items must cost $125 or less; laptops and tablets must cost $500 or less; school supplies must cost $50 or less; and sports equipment must cost $150 or less.
"There is no limit on the amount of the total purchase. The qualification is determined by each individual item," according to the West Virginia Tax Division.
According to information from the governor's office, West Virginians saved $3.5 million during the tax-free weekend.
"As families across West Virginia prepare to send their children back to school, I know this time of year brings both genuine excitement and real financial stress," Gov. Patrick Morrisey said during a press conference on the matter. "Between new shoes, clothes, backpack essentials, and modern classroom tech, the costs stack up quickly. As your governor, my mission is to get government out of the way and put more of your hard-earned dollars back in your pocket."
In Ohio, clothing items must cost $75 or less and school supplies must cost $20 or less. Ohio's base sales tax rate is 5.75%.
"Ohio's Sales Tax Holiday comes at a time of year when families are getting ready for back-to-school," Gov. Mike DeWine said in a press release. "The sales tax break is designed to provide meaningful savings for families as they purchase new school essentials for the upcoming year."