LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Ohio's sales tax holiday is underway, giving families a chance to save as they prepare for the new school year.

Starting Friday, eligible back-to-school items are exempt from sales tax through Sunday. The three-day holiday covers qualifying purchases, including clothing priced under $75, along with school supplies and instructional materials costing less than $20 each.

How families, teachers can save during Ohio sales tax holiday weekend

Many retailers are also offering specials throughout the weekend to help families stretch their back-to-school budgets.

Many retailers are also offering specials throughout the weekend to help families stretch their back-to-school budgets.

"We've got our back-to-school haircuts as well for the kids, and it also includes the teachers. Teachers and college kids get a $12 haircut. All they have to do is show us their school IDs. Kids don't have to show it, of course, but the teachers and college kids do, and then they get a great haircut in our salon," said Denise Doiron-Serafini, general manager at Lima JCPenney.

Teachers can also save on many of the classroom materials they buy to prepare for the school year. Jodi Thomas, co-owner of Educational Providers in Lima, said people come from across Ohio to shop at the store for teacher and classroom supplies.

"We have a little bit of everything. The educational toys, we have workbooks, we have stickers, we have anything for a whiteboard, the erasers, the markers, even chalkboards."

For school supply lists from districts across the area, click here.

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