Ohio Car Sales Tax Calculator (2026)

• Ohio's 5.75% state sales tax is combined with the rate of the buyer's county of residence, and the tax is paid to the county clerk of courts title office.
• A trade-in lowers the taxable price only when buying a new vehicle; trading toward a used vehicle gives no tax reduction.
• Manufacturer rebates and cash down payments do not reduce the taxable price in Ohio.

Sales and use tax

5.75%

Local tax

0.75% to 2.5%In effect since Oct 1, 2026

Trade-in

Full credit: reduces the taxable price (new-car purchases only)

Manufacturer rebate

Taxed: tax is figured before the rebate

Figured with Ohio's rules for a buyer in Columbus, at its 2.25% local rate.

• Used car, no trade-in$1,440

  $18,000 price. Taxed on $18,000.

• New car with a trade-in$2,000

  $35,000 price, $10,000 trade-in. Taxed on $25,000. The trade-in saves $800.

• New car with a trade-in and a rebate$2,400

  $45,000 price, $15,000 trade-in, $2,000 rebate. Taxed on $30,000. The trade-in saves $1,200. The rebate does not lower the tax.

These examples treat the agreed price as the taxable price. Where a state uses a book value instead, the tax can differ.

On a $30,000 car, tax runs from $2,025 in Akron to $2,400 in Parma, a difference of $375 among the 7 cities we list.

Before trade-in, for a buyer living in each city. In some states the rate follows the dealer's location instead; see the rules above and our methodology. Rates from tax.ohio.gov, checked Nov 6, 2026.

The calculator covers a car bought from a dealer. These rules apply to other ways of buying or bringing a car to Ohio.

Buying from a private seller

In a private (casual) sale, Ohio sales tax is figured on the purchase price written on the assigned title, which the buyer pays to the clerk of courts when applying for the new title. The stated price is prima facie evidence of the amount to tax, and the buyer must swear to the true selling price. (codes.ohio.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

A car received as a gift

If you receive a car without giving anything in return for it, no Ohio sales tax is due when you title it; the title is processed with exemption code IH. (fclawlib.libguides.com, secondary source, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Moving to Ohio with your car

A new resident converting an out-of-state title to Ohio may owe Ohio sales tax if the car was bought within six months before the move. Bringing the bill of sale gives credit for tax already paid, and any balance is due when the Ohio title is issued. (courtclerk.org, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Buying outside Ohio

An Ohio resident who buys a car in another state owes Ohio use tax when titling it, less any sales tax already paid to the other state; only the difference is due. (codes.ohio.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Active-duty military

Active-duty members stationed or deployed outside Ohio, and their dependents, can title a car bought out of state by mail through a county clerk of courts title office and keep Ohio registration. The BMV lists sales tax on the purchase price as due, or an exemption form if one applies; it names no military exemption. (bmv.ohio.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Deadline to pay

The application for an Ohio certificate of title must be filed within 30 days after the car is assigned or delivered, and the sales tax is paid to the clerk with that application. (codes.ohio.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Paying late

If the title application is filed after the 30-day period, the clerk of courts collects an extra $5 fee for issuing the title. (codes.ohio.gov, checked Nov 10, 2026)

Ohio is tied for 37th lowest of all 50 states and the District of Columbia for tax on a $30,000 car, at its lowest local rate. See all states.

Tax on a $30,000 car before trade-in, in nearby states. You generally pay tax based on where you register the car.

• Kentucky$1,800
• Michigan$1,800
• Pennsylvania$1,800 – $2,400
• West Virginia$1,800
• Ohio$1,950 – $2,475
• Indiana$2,100

• All car calculators
• Sales tax calculators by state
• Car sales tax by state
• Trade-in tax credit by state
• Car cost by state
• Ohio out-the-door price
• Auto loan calculator

• Indiana car sales tax
• Kentucky car sales tax
• Michigan car sales tax
• Pennsylvania car sales tax
• West Virginia car sales tax