At AimHi Family Firearms Center, we understand the importance of staying up to date with legislation that impacts gun owners in Ohio. During its current session, the Ohio General Assembly has been considering various sales-tax exemptions, and we want to provide you with accurate information about the proposed changes.

Recently, the legislature has pushed exemptions for essential items like baby products and feminine hygiene items. Now, they’re considering extending these exemptions to firearms, ammunition and firearm-safety devices, according to a report from cleveland.com. The goal is to ensure all Ohioans, regardless of income level, have access to these necessary items while also protecting their Second Amendment rights.

House Bill 189, co-sponsored by state Rep. Josh Williams, proposes exempting portable firearms such as rifles, shotguns, pistols and revolvers, as well as the ammunition for these firearms, from state sales tax. This exemption aims to safeguard individuals’ right to protect themselves, their homes and their loved ones.

State Rep. Al Cutrona, who introduced HB189, raised an important point: Ohio already exempts sales tax for newspapers as a means to support the First Amendment. The question arises, why not extend this exemption to our Second Amendment rights as well?

What are the Current Numbers?

The current sales tax rate in Ohio is 5.75%. If HB189 passes, individuals purchasing guns in the state would no longer have to pay sales tax on their firearms, saving them money. However, it’s important to note that sales tax would still apply to larger shotguns beyond .50 caliber or 10-gauge.

It’s estimated that exempting small arms and ammunition from sales tax would reduce state revenue by approximately $15 million per year, according to the report. This cost is a consideration in weighing the potential benefits for Ohioans.

Additionally, there is another bill, House Bill 186, sponsored by Ohio House Democrats, that focuses on gun safety devices. This bill proposes lifting sales tax on items such as gun safes, gun cases and other devices intended to prevent unauthorized access to firearms. State Rep. Darnell Brewer, a co-sponsor of this legislation, hopes that the sales-tax exemption will encourage Ohioans to invest in these safety devices, reducing the risk of accidents, particularly involving children.

Where Does Sales Tax Revenue Typically Go in Ohio?

As a taxpayer and a responsible citizen, you may be curious about how your state government typically spends the revenue collected from sales tax. In the state of Ohio, the sales tax revenue is an essential source of funding to meet vital public services’ requirements, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development and public safety.

Ohio is one of the few states in the US that levies a statewide sales tax at a flat rate of 5.75%. This tax contributes significantly to the state’s revenue stream, generating billions of dollars every year. The Ohio Department of Taxation reported that the state collected more than $10.8 billion in net sales tax collections during the Fiscal Year 2020. Knowing how this money is spent can provide valuable insight and help you better understand the state’s financial priorities.

First and foremost, the education sector is one of the most critical recipients of Ohio’s sales tax revenue. A significant portion of the funds collected from sales tax goes towards supporting public schools and universities in the state. The Ohio Department of Education receives a substantial amount of taxes that must be used to provide quality education and support students, including those with special needs.

Moreover, healthcare programs and services are also significant beneficiaries of Ohio’s sales tax revenue. The state’s healthcare sector receives a sizable portion of the tax revenue to support its programs and provide medical assistance to those in need. These programs range from providing individualized care for Ohioans through the Medicaid program to supporting lifesaving research or improving access to healthcare facilities in rural areas.

Infrastructure development and maintenance and public safety also benefit greatly from Ohio’s sales tax revenue. The government uses these funds to build roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure, including public transit systems and airports. Additionally, sales tax revenue is also used to ensure the maintenance of existing infrastructure in proper conditions, upgrading facilities, and expanding capacity. Public safety includes supporting local police and fire departments, funding prisons and other programs aimed at promoting public safety. These vital services ensure Ohioans are safe and secure, and the state’s economy is thriving.

How AimHi Family Firearms Center Can Help

At AimHi Family Firearms Center, we strive to keep our customers informed about relevant legislation and its potential impact on firearm owners. We will continue to monitor the progress of these bills and provide updates as needed. Your safety and the responsible use of firearms are our utmost priorities. Have a question about Ohio gun laws? Contact us today, and our staff will be happy offer knowledge and insights!