Taxes in Columbus, Ohio
Complete tax guide for Columbus, OH. State income tax up to 3.5%, 1.56% property tax, 7.5% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
3.5%
Ohio
Property Tax
1.56%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
7.5%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
High
Columbus, OH Tax Overview
Columbus city income tax of 2.5%; most Ohio cities levy municipal income taxes
Population
905,748
Median Income
$56,183
Cost of Living
92.5 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
3.5%
Local Income Tax
2.5%
Median Home Price
$235,000
Columbus Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Columbus median: $56,183
Total Tax Burden in Columbus
$12,372
Take-Home: $43,811 · Effective Rate: 22.02%
Federal Tax
$4,703
8.37% eff.
OH State + Local
$3,371
6.00% eff.
FICA
$4,298
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$43,811
77.98% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $56,183.00 | $4,681.92 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$4,703.46 | -$391.96 |
| Ohio State Tax | -$1,966.41 | -$163.87 |
| Columbus Local Tax (2.5%) | -$1,404.58 | -$117.05 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$3,483.35 | -$290.28 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$814.65 | -$67.89 |
| Take-Home Pay | $43,810.56 | $3,650.88 |
Property Tax in Columbus
Median Home
$235,000
Annual Tax
$3,666
Monthly Tax
$306
Effective Rate
1.56%
Sales Tax in Columbus
Combined Rate
7.5%
State Portion
~5.0%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Columbus is 7.5%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $7.50 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Columbus | Ohio Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 3.5% + 2.5% | 3.5% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 1.56% | ~1.56% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 7.5% | ~7.5% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | High | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Columbus Residents
- Ohio's income tax rate of 3.5% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- Columbus has a local income tax of 2.5%. If you work remotely, verify whether you owe city tax based on where you work or where you live. Some cities only tax people who work within city limits.
- Property tax in Columbus (1.56%) is above the national average. Check if you qualify for homestead exemptions or assessment appeals to reduce your property tax bill.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Ohio
Cleveland
ModerateCincinnati
ModerateToledo
LowAkron
LowDayton
LowParma
ModerateCanton
LowYoungstown
LowCalculate Your Full Ohio Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Columbus, OH?
Columbus, Ohio has a state income tax rate up to 3.5%, plus a local income tax of 2.5%. The property tax rate is 1.56% and the combined sales tax rate is 7.5%. Columbus city income tax of 2.5%; most Ohio cities levy municipal income taxes
How much is property tax in Columbus?
The effective property tax rate in Columbus is 1.56%. On the median home price of $235,000, this equals approximately $3,666 per year or $306 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Columbus?
The combined sales tax rate in Columbus is 7.5%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Columbus's tax burden compare to other cities?
Columbus has a high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 30.6%. The combination of 3.5% state income tax, 1.56% property tax, and 7.5% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 92.5 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Columbus?
Yes. Columbus imposes a local income tax of 2.5% in addition to the state income tax of 3.5%. Columbus city income tax of 2.5%; most Ohio cities levy municipal income taxes