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 set by the state. However, your actual tax rate depends on where you live, because counties and some cities add their own local sales taxes on top of the state rate. Your total rate can range from 5.75 percent to as high as 8.5 percent depending on your location.

The state collects this tax at the point of sale — when you buy something at a store, online from an Ohio seller, or through a service. The retailer holds the money and sends it to Ohio's Department of Taxation. You do not file anything yourself for sales tax; it is calculated and collected automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio's base sales tax rate is 5.75 percent, but your actual rate is higher if your county or city adds a local tax.
  • You can find your exact local rate by entering your zip code on the Ohio Department of Taxation website or calling your county auditor's office.
  • Groceries, prescription medications, and some medical equipment are exempt from sales tax in Ohio.
  • Online purchases from Ohio-based sellers are subject to Ohio sales tax; purchases from out-of-state sellers follow different rules depending on the seller's location and size.

How local taxes raise your rate above 5.75 percent

Most Ohio counties add a local sales tax on top of the state's 5.75 percent. These county rates typically range from 0.5 percent to 2.25 percent. Some cities within those counties add an additional local tax as well. This means a purchase in one county might be taxed at 6.5 percent, while the same purchase across the county line could be 7.5 percent or higher.

For example, Franklin County (which includes Columbus) adds 1.5 percent, bringing the rate to 7.25 percent in most of the county. Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) adds 1.75 percent, for a total of 7.5 percent. But these rates can vary by city within the county, so two addresses a few miles apart may have different totals.

To find your exact rate, enter your zip code on the Ohio Department of Taxation's sales tax rate lookup tool at tax.ohio.gov, or call your county auditor's office. They can tell you the exact percentage that applies to your address.

What is and is not taxed in Ohio

Not everything you buy in Ohio is subject to sales tax. Groceries — food you cook at home — are not taxed. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and canned goods. However, prepared food, restaurant meals, and food you eat in a store are taxed.

Prescription medications are exempt from sales tax when filled by a licensed pharmacist. Over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or cold remedies are taxed. Medical equipment prescribed by a doctor — such as wheelchairs, crutches, or diabetic testing supplies — is typically exempt, but you may need to provide a prescription or doctor's letter.

Clothing and shoes are taxed in Ohio. Services like haircuts, repairs, and labor are generally not taxed, though some specific services (like certain telecommunications services) have their own rules. If you are unsure whether something is taxed, the retailer or the Ohio Department of Taxation can tell you.

Sales tax on online purchases

If you buy from an Ohio-based online retailer, Ohio sales tax applies. The seller collects it at checkout and sends it to the state, just like a physical store would.

If you buy from an out-of-state seller, the rules depend on the seller's size and whether they have a physical presence in Ohio. Large online retailers — those with significant sales volume or a warehouse in Ohio — are required to collect Ohio sales tax on orders shipped to Ohio addresses. Smaller sellers may not be required to collect it, though Ohio law technically requires you to pay "use tax" on those purchases when you file your state income tax return. In practice, most individual shoppers do not report this, and the state does not pursue it.

The safest assumption: if you see a tax charge at checkout for an Ohio address, that is correct. If you do not see one from a small out-of-state seller, you are not alone in not reporting it, but technically you could owe it.

Sales tax on vehicles and special purchases

Cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles are subject to sales tax in Ohio when you buy them from a dealer. The tax is calculated on the purchase price. If you trade in a vehicle, the tax is usually applied only to the difference between the new vehicle's price and the trade-in value, not the full price.

When you register a vehicle at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, you will pay sales tax as part of the registration fee if you have not already paid it to the dealer. Keep your receipt from the dealer to avoid paying twice.

Boats, RVs, and aircraft follow similar rules. If you have questions about a specific large purchase, ask the seller whether sales tax is included in the quoted price or added at the end.

How to look up your local sales tax rate

The fastest way to find your exact rate is the Ohio Department of Taxation's online lookup tool. Go to tax.ohio.gov, find the sales tax rate search, enter your zip code, and it will show you the state rate plus all local additions for your area.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak to someone, call your county auditor's office. They maintain the local tax rates and can tell you the total rate for your address in seconds. You can find your county auditor's phone number by searching "[your county name] auditor" online.

Retailers are also required to know and explore the correct rate for their location. If you notice you were charged the wrong rate, ask the store to correct it. Most will refund the difference without argument.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ohio have a state income tax in addition to sales tax?

Yes. Ohio charges both a state income tax (on wages and other income) and a sales tax (on purchases). They are separate. Your income tax is withheld from paychecks or paid when you file your tax return. Sales tax is added at the register.

Are online purchases from Amazon or other major retailers taxed?

Yes. Amazon and other large online retailers collect Ohio sales tax on orders shipped to Ohio addresses. The tax appears in your total at checkout before you pay.

What if I buy something in another state and bring it to Ohio?

Ohio does not tax items you already own or bring into the state. Sales tax is paid where the purchase happens. If you buy something in Kentucky and drive it to Ohio, you do not owe Ohio sales tax on it.

Can I get a sales tax refund if I overpaid?

If a retailer charged you the wrong rate or taxed an exempt item, ask them for a refund. Keep your receipt. If the store refuses, you can contact the Ohio Department of Taxation, though they typically handle disputes between businesses and the state rather than individual shoppers.

Is there a sales tax on services like haircuts or car repairs?

No. Most services in Ohio are not subject to sales tax. Haircuts, repairs, plumbing, and labor are generally tax-free. However, if you buy a product as part of the service (like hair dye at a salon), that product may be taxed.