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Ohio's tax-free weekend kicks off Friday!

The holiday runs from Friday, Aug. 6 at 12 a.m. to Sunday, Aug. 8 at 12 a.m.

OHIO, USA — Editor's note: The video in the player above is from a story published in August of 2020. 

Ohio's tax-free weekend kicks off just in time for back-to-school shopping.

The holiday runs from Friday, Aug. 6 at 12 a.m. to Sunday, Aug. 8 at 12 a.m.

Northeast Ohio students will be back-to-school in less than a month, which means a lot of shopping is underway to prep them for the classroom.

RELATED: Ohio schools, teachers cope with uncertainty as mask guidelines continue to change

“I have three kids, two are school-aged,” mom of three, Lindsey Vassallo said.

Prepping for a school year back in the classroom for a fourth-grader and a first grader comes with a loaded to-do list, Vassallo told 3News.

“We definitely buy new shoes every year; definitely clothes, they grow like weeds,” Vasallo said. “They need a lot of supplies, multiples of everything.”

The long list can add up quickly at the register, costing families big bucks.

“Up to $500, easily for just two kids,” Vasallo said.

Ohio's tax-free weekend is your chance to save. Three full days of tax-free shopping starts Friday morning as soon as stores open.

“2020 was a record and now 2021 is looking to be the same,” consumer expert Trae Bodge said.

According to the National Retail Federation, shopping is already hitting news records.

  • Shopping for grades Kindergarten through 12 is up 7.5 percent.
  • Shopping for college students is up 13 percent.

“You can save on typically items that are $100 or less,” Bodge said.

Plan to score deals on those essentials during tax-free weekend, such as clothing, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies.

According to the Ohio Department of Taxation, during the holiday, the following items are exempt from sales and use tax:

  • An item of clothing priced at $75 or less.
  • An item of school supplies priced at $20 or less
  • An item of school instructional material priced at $20 or less.

Items used in a trade or business are not exempt under the sales tax holiday.

RELATED: Northeast Ohio school districts announce mask guidelines for 2021-22 school year

If you’re looking for something specific, Bodge recommends hitting the stores early.

“Retailers are anticipating running out of supplies in general,” Bodge said.

It’s a sweet save, knowing you can save 5.57 percent at the register.

For example, on a $500 bill, you save nearly $30 at the register this weekend, but the savings can get even better.

“You can combine that with other sales,” Bodge said.

It’ll likely be busy at stores this weekend; many will be taking advantage of the deals.

Be sure to pack your patience and your credit card.

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