Ohio's statewide sales tax is 5.75 percent

Ohio charges a 5.75 percent sales tax on most retail purchases. This is the base rate that applies across the entire state. However, your actual tax at checkout may be higher because counties and some cities add their own local sales taxes on top of the state rate.

The total tax you pay depends on where you shop. A purchase in Columbus will have a different tax rate than the same purchase in Cleveland or Cincinnati because each county has added its own percentage. Some counties add as little as 0.5 percent; others add 1.5 percent or more.

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio's base sales tax is 5.75 percent, but your total rate includes county and sometimes city taxes added on top.
  • Total sales tax in Ohio ranges from 6.25 percent to 8.5 percent depending on which county you are in.
  • Food bought at a grocery store is taxed at 0 percent in Ohio, but prepared food and restaurant meals are fully taxed.
  • Clothing and shoes under $20 per item are not taxed in Ohio, but items $20 or more are taxed normally.
  • You can find your exact local rate by entering your address on the Ohio Department of Taxation website or asking a cashier.

How local taxes stack on top of the state rate

Ohio allows counties to add a local sales tax, and some cities add an additional layer on top of that. The state collects 5.75 percent, but then your county may add between 0.5 and 1.5 percent. A few cities add another 0.25 to 0.5 percent on certain purchases.

This means the lowest combined rate you will see is 6.25 percent (in counties that add only 0.5 percent) and the highest is 8.5 percent (in counties that add 1.5 percent, plus city taxes in some cases). Franklin County (Columbus) charges 7.5 percent total. Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) charges 8 percent. Hamilton County (Cincinnati) charges 7.5 percent.

The tax rate can even change within a single city if you cross from one district into another, though this is rare. Your best way to know the exact rate where you are shopping is to check your receipt after a purchase or look up your address on the Ohio Department of Taxation website.

What is and is not taxed in Ohio

Groceries are not taxed in Ohio. This includes bread, milk, eggs, vegetables, meat, and other food you prepare at home. The rule is straightforward: if you buy it at a grocery store to cook yourself, there is no sales tax.

Restaurant meals and prepared food are fully taxed. If you buy a sandwich from a deli counter, a rotisserie chicken, or anything from a restaurant, you pay the full local sales tax rate. Takeout is taxed the same as eating in.

Clothing and shoes under $20 per item are not taxed in Ohio. A pair of socks for $15 is tax-free. A coat for $19.99 is tax-free. But a coat for $20 or more is taxed normally. This applies per item, so if you buy five $15 shirts, none are taxed, but if you buy one $25 shirt, the whole thing is taxed.

Most other retail goods are taxed: electronics, furniture, books, toys, and household items all carry the full local rate. Prescription medications are not taxed, but over-the-counter medicines and vitamins are.

Finding your exact local sales tax rate

The Ohio Department of Taxation maintains a searchable tool on its website where you can enter your address and see your exact combined sales tax rate. This is the most reliable way to know what you will pay, especially if you live near a county line or in a city with its own local tax.

You can also call your county auditor's office or ask a cashier at a local store. Most retailers know their local rate and can tell you when ready. Your receipt will also show the tax rate applied to that transaction.

If you are buying something online and shipping it to Ohio, the seller should charge Ohio sales tax based on the delivery address. Some online retailers do not collect tax, but Ohio law requires you to report and pay the tax yourself on your state tax return—though most individual shoppers do not do this.

Sales tax on vehicles and major purchases

Cars, trucks, and motorcycles are subject to Ohio sales tax when you buy them from a dealer. The tax is calculated on the purchase price and is usually collected at the time of sale. If you trade in a vehicle, the tax is applied to the net price (the sale price minus the trade-in value).

If you buy a used car from a private seller, you do not pay sales tax to the seller, but you do owe tax when you register the vehicle with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The BMV collects the tax as part of the registration process.

Tax-free shopping days and exemptions

Ohio does not have an annual statewide tax-free shopping day like some other states do. However, the state does offer sales tax exemptions for certain organizations and purchases. Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies can purchase items tax-free if they have the proper exemption certificate.

Some counties or cities may run temporary tax-free promotions for specific items or dates, but these are local decisions and are not may provide every year. Check with your local government or chamber of commerce if you think a promotion might be happening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sales tax the same everywhere in Ohio?

No. The state rate is 5.75 percent everywhere, but counties add their own tax on top, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 percent. Some cities add more. Your total rate depends on your exact location. Check the Ohio Department of Taxation website or your receipt to see your local rate.

Do I have to pay sales tax on groceries?

No. Food you buy at a grocery store to prepare at home is not taxed in Ohio. This includes meat, produce, bread, milk, and canned goods. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed normally.

Are clothes and shoes taxed in Ohio?

Clothing and shoes under $20 per item are not taxed. Items $20 or more are taxed at your local rate. The $20 threshold applies to each individual item, not your total purchase.

What if I buy something online and have it shipped to Ohio?

The seller should charge Ohio sales tax based on your delivery address. If they do not, Ohio law says you owe the tax, but you would report it on your state return. Most individual shoppers do not do this, though it is technically required.

Do I pay sales tax when I buy a used car from a private person?

You do not pay tax to the seller, but you owe tax when you register the vehicle with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The BMV collects it as part of registration. If you trade in a vehicle, tax is calculated on the net price after the trade-in value is subtracted.