Ohio Sales Tax: Rates, Rules, and How to Calculate It (2026)
Ohio's sales tax combines a 5.75% state rate with local county and municipal add-ons, pushing the total to as high as 8% in Cleveland. With over 1,400 taxing jurisdictions across the state, rates vary significantly by address. You can't assume two neighboring ZIP codes pay the same tax.
| Statewide base rate | 5.75% |
|---|---|
| Typical combined rate | 5.75%–8% |
| Are groceries taxed? | Exempt |
| Economic nexus threshold | ≈$100,000/yr (verify) |
| Taxing jurisdictions tracked | 1,455 |
| Get the exact rate | Look up any Ohio ZIP or address instantly |
How much is sales tax in Ohio?
Ohio starts with a 5.75% base state rate, but local jurisdictions layer on their own taxes. The lowest combined rate you'll find is 5.75%, while the highest reaches 8% in Cleveland. Across Ohio's 1,455 different taxing jurisdictions, the average rate sits at 7.18%. Each county and city sets its own local rate, which is why a 10-minute drive can change your tax burden.
ZIP codes don't map neatly to tax boundaries in Ohio. A single ZIP might span multiple cities or counties, each with different tax rates. Some jurisdictions have recently tweaked their rates, so a lookup you did six months ago might be outdated. The only reliable way is to enter the exact street address where the sale occurs.
What's taxed and what's exempt in Ohio
Groceries are completely exempt from tax in Ohio, but clothing is taxable. If you're buying a shirt or jacket, expect sales tax to apply. Buying food for home? That's tax-free, whether it's fresh produce or frozen goods.
SaaS and digital software are taxable in Ohio. Prescription medicines, on the other hand, are exempt no matter where you shop. Restaurant food and prepared meals are taxable, but you should always check the exact category of what you're buying rather than assuming.
Do you have to collect Ohio sales tax? (Economic nexus)
Like most states after the 2018 Wayfair decision, Ohio requires out-of-state sellers to register and collect once their sales into the state cross an economic-nexus threshold. That line is commonly around $100,000 of sales into Ohio per year, and some states also count a number of separate transactions — but the exact figure, and whether the transaction count still applies, change from time to time. Confirm Ohio's current threshold before you rely on it.
If you sell into Ohio from out of state, the practical question is whether you've crossed that line. Watching your sales into each state is how you know when you're on the hook — and it's the kind of thing that's easy to miss until a notice shows up.
Nexus rules change often and vary by state (reviewed 2026-01-01). This is general information, not tax advice — confirm your obligations with the Ohio Department of Revenue or a tax professional.
How to calculate Ohio sales tax
The math itself is simple: multiply the taxable price by the combined rate for the buyer's location. A $100 order at 7.185% means about $7.18 in tax. The hard part is getting the right rate for every address, keeping it current as rates change, and doing it fast enough to run inside a checkout.
That's what Sefro does. One API call returns the combined state, county, city, and special-district rate for any US address, sourced from state Departments of Revenue and refreshed weekly. You can also calculate the full tax on an order, validate addresses, and pull return-ready reports. See how the data is sourced or pricing to start.
Look up the Ohio sales tax rate for any ZIP
Enter an Ohio ZIP code to see the live combined rate from the Sefro API.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Ohio?
Ohio's combined rate ranges from 5.75% to 8%. The state base is 5.75%, but local city and county taxes add another 0% to 2.25% depending on location. You'll need a specific address to get the exact rate.
Are groceries taxed in Ohio?
No, groceries are exempt from sales tax in Ohio. You can buy food for home consumption without worry, but restaurant meals are taxed.
Do I have to collect Ohio sales tax if I sell online?
Once your sales into Ohio cross its economic-nexus threshold — commonly around $100,000 a year, sometimes with a transaction count — you generally must register and collect. Because states adjust these rules, check Ohio's current figure before relying on it.
How do I find the exact rate for an Ohio address?
Enter the street address (not just the ZIP) into a sales tax lookup tool. Sefro's API will return the combined state and local rate for any Ohio address in seconds.
Is SaaS or digital software taxable in Ohio?
Yes, both SaaS and digital software purchases are subject to sales tax in Ohio.
Does Ohio have local sales taxes on top of the state rate?
Yes, Ohio has extensive local taxation. Over 1,455 jurisdictions (counties, cities, and special districts) add their own rates on top of the 5.75% state base.
Handle Ohio sales tax with one API call
Skip the rate tables and district lookups. Sefro returns the exact combined rate for any Ohio address in one request — start with a free trial.
Rates and rules on this page are provided for general information only and are not tax or legal advice. Rates change; confirm the current rate and your filing obligations with the Ohio Department of Revenue or a qualified professional. See our Terms.