Car Sales Tax in Ohio
The average combined sales tax rate in Ohio (including state and county taxes) is 7.223%.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Ohio’s
5.75% sales tax rate applies to all car sales, but your specific rate will also depend on your county and local taxes.- To find your total sales tax, add your county's rate to the statewide rate of 5.75%.
- Used and new vehicle purchases are subject to the Ohio sales tax, with few exemptions.
- Trade-in value is not taxed, although rebates and incentives do not reduce tax.
- Payment is due to the Ohio Clerk of Courts.
- To find your total sales tax, add your county's rate to the statewide rate of 5.75%.
- Used and new vehicle purchases are subject to the Ohio sales tax, with few exemptions.
- Trade-in value is not taxed, although rebates and incentives do not reduce tax.
- Payment is due to the Ohio Clerk of Courts.
How much is the car sales tax rate in Ohio?
State sales tax rate in Ohio: 5.75%
This tax law applies to all Ohio car sales, including used cars. In addition to the state sales tax on cars, you’ll also be responsible for the county or local sales tax in your county of residence.
- +8% county sales tax: Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, and Summit counties
- +7% county sales tax: Wayne County
The average combined sales tax is 7.223%. The sales tax fee is payable to the clerk of courts.
How are car trade-ins taxed in Ohio?
While sales tax applies to all vehicle purchases in Ohio, it does not apply to the value of any vehicle you might
trade in
. Instead, trade-in credit is deducted from the taxable price of the vehicle you’re purchasing.Incentives are not exempt: While your trade-in is exempt from sales tax under Ohio law, that doesn’t mean any other credits to your sale are. The taxable price of your vehicle is calculated before dealer rebates and incentives, so even if you’re getting dealer cash or a rebate, you’ll still pay taxes on the vehicle price before that credit is subtracted.
How to calculate sales tax on a car in the state of Ohio
Tax-rates.org
is a quick sales tax calculator that anyone can use, whether you’re an Ohio resident or you live out-of-state. Just plug in your car dealership’s zip code and the purchase price of your vehicle (minus any trade-in credit, of course), and you’ll get a complete sales-tax estimate in seconds. If you’re buying a used vehicle, use the zip code where you’ll complete the car purchase.
Remember that the dealership may charge an additional doc fee.
MORE: Car Loan in Ohio 2023
Exemptions from Ohio state sales tax
Almost all motor vehicle sales in Ohio are subject to sales tax—however, there are a few exceptions.
Vehicles purchased for the following uses may qualify for an exemption:
- Direct farming
- Transportation for hire
- Nonprofit organizations and churches
- Transportation services and public utilities
How to estimate Ohio tax, title, and registration fees
Sales tax is just one of the additional costs you’ll pay when you buy a new vehicle in Ohio. In addition, you’ll need to budget for title, registration, plate transfer, and documentation fees.
Here’s a rundown of the additional costs associated with buying a car in Ohio:
Cost | Average cost |
|---|---|
Sales tax | 7.223% |
Registration fee | $31 to $200 |
Title fee | $15 |
Plate transfer | $6 |
Documentation fee | Up to 10% of purchase price before tax, title, and registration fees |
You can determine your exact registration fee by checking the
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle fees page
. Make sure to have your certificate of title on hand.MORE: Is car insurance tax deductible?
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