What is the sales tax rate in Ohio?

The Ohio state sales tax rate is 5.750%. However, counties can add local sales taxes ranging from 0.75% to 2.25%, making the total rate between 6.5% and 8% depending on location.

Does Ohio have local sales tax?

Yes, all Ohio counties impose local sales taxes in addition to the 5.750% state rate. County rates range from 0.75% to 2.25%. Some areas also have transit authority taxes, such as the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) in Franklin County.

Are groceries taxed in Ohio?

No, most food and grocery items for off-premises consumption are exempt from sales tax in Ohio. This includes unprepared foods purchased at grocery stores. However, prepared foods, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and food consumed on-premises at restaurants are generally taxable.

Is clothing taxed in Ohio?

Generally, no. Most clothing and footwear are exempt from sales tax in Ohio. However, certain items like accessories, protective clothing, and sports equipment may still be taxable. The exemption typically applies to everyday apparel such as shirts, pants, dresses, and shoes.

Do I pay sales tax on used cars in Ohio?

Yes, Ohio charges sales tax on motor vehicle purchases, whether new or used. The tax rate varies by county but follows the standard state and local rates. You must pay the sales tax when you title and register the vehicle.

What is Ohio's Sales Tax Holiday?

Ohio holds an annual Sales Tax Holiday, typically in August for back-to-school shopping. In 2025, it runs from August 1-14. During this period, most items priced at $500 or less are exempt from sales tax, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, school supplies, and more.

When did Ohio last change its sales tax rate?

The Ohio state sales tax rate was last increased from 5.5% to 5.750% on September 1, 2013. However, local rates continue to change periodically. For example, Lake County's rate increased from 7.0% to 7.25% on April 1, 2025.

Do I pay Ohio sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, most online purchases delivered to Ohio addresses are subject to Ohio sales tax at your local rate. Major online retailers collect this tax at checkout. The rate charged depends on the delivery location within Ohio.

Sales Tax Calculator

Ohio Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate Ohio sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total.

State Rate

5.750%

Select City

Located in Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) (+1.000%)

Amount before tax

About Ohio Sales Tax

State rate: 5.750%

Local rate in Franklin County: 1.250%

Combined rate in Columbus: 7.000%

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)

Businesses in this district charge an additional tax, bringing the total rate to 8.000% instead of the standard 7.000%.

State Rate

5.750%

Local Tax

Yes

Max Rate

8.00%

Butler County

6.500%

Standard Rate

62,722

City	County	Standard Rate	Transit Tax	Population
Columbus	Franklin	7.000%	Transit Tax	917,679
Cleveland	Cuyahoga	7.000%	Transit Tax	356,556
Cincinnati	Hamilton	7.000%	Transit Tax	312,094
Toledo	Lucas	7.250%	Transit Tax	261,989
Akron	Summit	6.250%	Transit Tax	187,737
Dayton	Montgomery	7.000%	Transit Tax	134,189
Parma	Cuyahoga	7.000%	Transit Tax	77,611
Canton	Stark	6.250%	Transit Tax	68,239
Lorain	Lorain	6.500%	Standard Rate	65,411
Hamilton	Butler	6.500%	Standard Rate	62,722
Youngstown	Mahoning	7.250%	Transit Tax	58,586
Springfield	Clark	7.250%	Standard Rate	57,738
Elyria	Lorain	6.500%	Standard Rate	53,406
Newark	Licking	7.250%	Standard Rate	51,732
Cuyahoga Falls	Summit	6.250%	Transit Tax	50,535
Dublin	Multiple*	7.000%	Transit Tax	48,643
Lakewood	Cuyahoga	7.000%	Transit Tax	48,345
Mansfield	Richland	7.000%	Standard Rate	47,828
Kettering	Montgomery	7.000%	Transit Tax	5,624
Middletown	Butler	6.500%	Standard Rate	5,178

Note: Ohio sales tax rates vary by county and special district. Transit authority taxes apply in areas served by RTA systems.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Ohio

Sales Tax Calculation

Ohio

Example: Columbus Purchase

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $500.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$500.00 × 7.00% (Columbus: 5.75% state + 1.25% local)

Sales tax $35.00

Add to the original price

$500.00 + $35.00

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $535.00

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.07 to find the pre-tax price (for 7% rate). Example: $107.00 ÷ 1.07 = $100.00

What's Taxed?

Taxable: Electronics, furniture, retail goods

Exempt: Groceries, most clothing, prescriptions

Special Ohio Sales Tax Rules

Transit Authority Taxes

Several Ohio counties have additional sales taxes to fund regional transit authorities. These taxes apply to purchases within the transit district boundaries.

Examples: Franklin County (COTA - 0.5%), Cuyahoga County (RTA - 1%), Hamilton County (SORTA - 0.3%), Lucas County (TARTA - 0.75%)

Major Cities with Transit Taxes

Columbus (COTA), Cleveland (RTA), Cincinnati (SORTA), Toledo (TARTA), Akron (METRO)

Tax-Exempt Items

Ohio exempts several categories from sales tax

•
Food & Groceries: Food for off-premises consumption (not prepared foods or restaurant meals)
•
Clothing & Footwear: Most everyday apparel and footwear (accessories may be taxable)
•
Prescription Drugs: Medications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers
•
Manufacturing Equipment: Machinery and equipment used directly in manufacturing
•
Sales Tax Holiday: Most items under $500 during the annual August tax holiday

How Ohio Compares to Neighboring States

Here's how Ohio's sales tax stacks up against nearby states

5.750%

Pennsylvania

6.00%

No local tax

West Virginia

6.00%

+ up to 1%
local tax

Ohio

5.750%

+ 0.75% to 2.25% local tax

#26 of 50 states

Kentucky

6.00%

No local tax

Michigan

6.00%

No local tax

Ohio's state rate is lower than most neighbors, but local taxes bring the total to 6.5% to 8% depending on county.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Ohio Sales Tax Rate History

Ohio's sales tax was first enacted in 1935 and has changed several times over the decades. Here's the history:

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
September 1, 2013	5.75%	▲ +0.25%	Current rate since 2013
July 1, 2005	5.50%	▼ -0.50%	Reduced from 6%
July 1, 2003	6.00%	▲ +1.00%	Temporary increase for budget
July 1, 1992	5.00%	—	Standard rate
May 1, 1981	5.00%	▲ +1.00%	Increased from 4%
September 1, 1967	4.00%	▲ +1.00%	First increase after 32 years
July 1, 1935	3.00%	—	Original enactment

Related Calculators & Resources

Calculator

Reverse Sales Tax

Find original price from total

State Calculator

Pennsylvania

Calculate PA sales tax

State Calculator

Michigan

Calculate MI sales tax

All Calculators

View All State Calculators

Calculate sales tax for all 50 US states

Resources

Official Ohio Tax Info

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current Ohio sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state legislation and local ordinances. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the Ohio Department of Taxation or a qualified tax professional.

Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.

Sources: Ohio Department of Taxation, Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5739 (Sales Tax), County Auditor Offices

Last updated: October 10, 2025