Ohio's statewide sales tax is 5.75 percent, but your total rate depends on which county you live in

Ohio has a base sales tax of 5.75 percent that applies everywhere in the state. However, most counties add a local sales tax on top of that amount, which means your actual rate at checkout is usually higher. The combined rate ranges from 5.75 percent in a few counties to as high as 8.5 percent in others. Your county determines the local portion, not your city or the store you shop in.

The tax you pay applies to most goods but not to groceries, prescription medications, or most services. If you buy a shirt for $20 in Franklin County (Columbus), you pay $20 plus the combined rate of 7.25 percent. If you buy the same shirt in Lucas County (Toledo), you pay $20 plus 7 percent. The difference comes from the local rate each county sets.

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio's base sales tax is 5.75 percent statewide, but every county except a few adds a local tax on top, making your total rate between 5.75 and 8.5 percent.
  • Your county of residence determines your sales tax rate, not your city or the store location.
  • Groceries, prescription drugs, and most services are not taxed in Ohio, but clothing, electronics, and prepared food are.
  • You can find your exact county rate on the Ohio Department of Taxation website or by asking a retailer in your area.

How county rates stack on top of the state rate

The 5.75 percent state rate is the floor. On top of that, your county adds between 0 and 2.75 percent, depending on local decisions about funding schools, transit, and other services. Franklin County adds 1.5 percent, bringing the total to 7.25 percent. Lucas County adds 1.25 percent, for a total of 7 percent. Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) adds 1.75 percent, for a total of 7.5 percent.

A handful of counties—including Putnam, Van Wert, and Paulding—have no local addition, so the rate stays at 5.75 percent. These are exceptions. Most Ohioans pay between 7 and 7.5 percent at the register. The local portion funds county services, so rates can shift if voters approve a new levy or an old one expires.

What is and is not taxed in Ohio

Groceries are not taxed in Ohio, which means milk, bread, eggs, and vegetables at the supermarket have no sales tax added. Prescription medications are also exempt. However, prepared food—a sandwich from a deli counter, pizza, or food from a restaurant—is taxed at the full rate.

Clothing and shoes are taxed. Electronics, furniture, and household goods are taxed. Most services are not taxed, including haircuts, car repairs, and plumbing work. Digital goods like e-books and streaming subscriptions are not taxed. If you are unsure whether something is taxed, the retailer can tell you at the register, or you can contact the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Finding your exact county rate

The easiest way to find your rate is to visit the Ohio Department of Taxation website and use their sales tax rate lookup tool. You enter your county name or zip code, and it shows you the combined state and local rate. The tool updates when rates change, so it is always current.

You can also call a local retailer and ask what they charge on a $10 purchase, then work backward to the rate. Or ask your county auditor's office directly—they administer the local rate and can confirm the exact percentage. If you are buying something online and the seller asks for your address, they use your zip code to calculate the correct rate for delivery to Ohio.

How online purchases are taxed

Online retailers must collect Ohio sales tax on orders shipped to an Ohio address. The tax rate applied is based on the delivery address, not where the seller is located. If you order something online for delivery to Franklin County, the seller charges 7.25 percent tax, even if the company is based in another state or country.

This applies to most online purchases, including clothing, electronics, and household items. Groceries and prescription medications ordered online are also exempt, just as they are in stores. If a seller does not collect tax at checkout, you may owe it when you file your Ohio income tax return, though this is rare for individual purchases.

When sales tax rates change

The state rate of 5.75 percent has been in place since 2005 and does not change often. Local county rates, however, can shift when voters approve a new tax levy or when an existing one expires. These changes are announced in advance, usually several months before they take effect.

If you own a business or manage a retail location, the Ohio Department of Taxation sends notices when rates change in your county. For consumers, the rate you see at the register is always the current one. If you are budgeting for a large purchase, you can check the current rate for your county to estimate the total cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ohio sales tax the same everywhere in the state?

No. The state portion is 5.75 percent everywhere, but each county adds its own local rate. Combined rates range from 5.75 percent to 8.5 percent depending on where you live. Your county determines your rate, not your city or the store.

Are groceries taxed in Ohio?

No. Groceries—items you buy at a supermarket to cook at home—are not taxed. Prepared food from a restaurant, deli counter, or food truck is taxed at the full rate.

Do I pay Ohio sales tax on online orders?

Yes. Online retailers must collect Ohio sales tax based on your delivery address. The rate applied is the combined state and local rate for your county.

What if I buy something in another Ohio county?

You pay the sales tax rate of the county where you make the purchase, not your home county. If you buy something in Lucas County but live in Franklin County, you pay Lucas County's rate at that register.

How do I know the exact rate for my county?

Use the Ohio Department of Taxation sales tax rate lookup tool on their website, enter your county or zip code, and it shows the combined rate. You can also call your county auditor's office or ask a local retailer.