Ohio car sales tax by county
Ohio taxes a vehicle at the rate of the county where the buyer lives, not where the dealer is.[1] The state's quarterly rate table for October to December 2026 gives these combined rates:[2]
| County | County rate | Total | Tax on $30,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuyahoga (Cleveland) | 2.25% | 8% | $2,400.00 |
| Franklin (Columbus) | 2.25% | 8% | $2,400.00 |
| Hamilton (Cincinnati) | 2.05% | 7.8% | $2,340.00 |
| Lucas (Toledo) | 2% | 7.75% | $2,325.00 |
| Summit (Akron) | 1% | 6.75% | $2,025.00 |
| Butler | 0.75% | 6.5% | $1,950.00 |
| Stark | 0.75% | 6.5% | $1,950.00 |
| Wayne | 0.75% | 6.5% | $1,950.00 |
Ohio sales tax on used cars and trade-ins
A trade-in reduces the taxable price only when you buy a new motor vehicle; for a used vehicle the tax base is not reduced.[1] Manufacturer rebates and cash down payments do not reduce the price for tax either.[1]
| Case | Tax | Share of price |
|---|---|---|
| $32,000 new car, $9,000 trade, $1,000 rebate, Franklin | $1,840.00 | 5.75% |
| $20,000 used car, $5,000 trade, Franklin | $1,600.00 | 8.00% |
| $20,000 new car, $5,000 trade, Summit | $1,012.50 | 5.06% |
Used car with a trade-inTrading in toward a used car saves no tax in Ohio, so selling your old car privately costs you nothing extra in tax.
Compare states on the car sales tax calculator, include the tax in a budget with the car affordability calculator, or see the yearly total on the cost of owning a car calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax on a car in Ohio?
5.75% state plus your county's rate: 8% in Cuyahoga and Franklin counties, 6.5% in Butler, Stark and Wayne.
Does a trade-in reduce sales tax in Ohio?
Only when you buy a new vehicle. For a used vehicle the tax is on the full price.
Is Ohio car sales tax based on where I live or where I buy?
On the county where you live.