Sales Tax by City

Columbus, Ohio Sales Tax Calculator

The combined sales tax rate in Columbus, Ohio is 8.000%. Franklin County adds 1.25% + 1% COTA transit (doubled by the 2024 LinkUS measure) on top of the 5.75% Ohio state rate. Groceries are exempt.

Purchase amount

StateOverride with a specific city or county local rate

Total with tax

$107.24

Combined rate 7.240%

Purchase amount$100.00

State tax (5.750%)$5.75

Local tax (1.490%)$1.49

Total tax$7.24

Ohio notes: Groceries exempt; prepared food taxed. Statewide average combined rate: 7.24%. Max local rate: 2.25%. Groceries: exempt from state tax.

Sales tax in Columbus

The 8.000% you pay at a Columbus register is made up of 5.75% state tax plus roughly 2.250% in local taxes — a combination of county, city, and special-district levies. Franklin County adds 1.25% + 1% COTA transit (doubled by the 2024 LinkUS measure) on top of the 5.75% Ohio state rate. Groceries are exempt.

That's higher than the Ohio average of 7.24%. Most large Ohio cities run above the state average because urban areas tend to layer transit taxes, special improvement districts, and arena/stadium taxes on top of the state and county base.

Ohio exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax. Restaurant meals and prepared food are taxable at the full combined rate.

For exact tax on a transaction at a specific Columbus address, use the Ohio Department of Revenue's lookup or a tool like Avalara. Rates can vary block-by-block when special tax districts cover part of the city.

Columbus rate breakdown: Combined rate 8.000% = OH state 5.75% + local 2.250% (county + city + transit + special districts).

Frequently asked questions

What is the sales tax rate in Columbus, Ohio?

The combined sales tax rate in Columbus is 8.000%. That includes the Ohio state portion plus county, city, and any applicable special-district taxes.

How is the Columbus sales tax broken down?

Columbus's 8.000% combined rate is made up of: 5.75% state, plus local additions including county, city, and any transit or special-district taxes. See the breakdown in the calculator above for any purchase amount.

What is the sales tax on a $100 purchase in Columbus?

At a combined rate of 8.000%, sales tax on $100 in Columbus is $8.00, bringing the total to $108.00.

Are groceries taxed in Columbus?

Ohio exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax — they're not taxed in Columbus either. Restaurant meals and prepared food are taxed at the full 8.000% rate.

Is the sales tax in Columbus higher than surrounding cities?

Yes — Columbus's combined rate of 8.000% is above the Ohio statewide average of 7.24%. Suburbs and smaller cities in the same state often pay lower combined rates.

Other cities in Ohio

Cleveland

Combined 8.000%

Open calculator →

Cincinnati

Combined 7.800%

Open calculator →

Toledo

Combined 7.750%

Open calculator →

Related calculators

Ohio Sales Tax (statewide)

State-level rates and rules for all of Ohio.

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All-State Sales Tax Calculator

Combined rates for all 50 states + DC.

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, accounting, or legal advice. Tax rates, regulations, and economic data change frequently. Consult a qualified accountant or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.