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 |
About Taxes in Columbus
Columbus has a population of approximately 905,748 residents with a median household income of $56,183. The cost of living index is 92.5 (7.5% lower than the national average of 100).
Local context: Columbus city income tax of 2.5%; most Ohio cities levy municipal income taxes
Tax burden classification: High. Effective combined tax rate of 30.6% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Columbus household.
Official Tax Resources for Ohio
For authoritative Ohio tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- Ohio Department of Taxation — official state revenue agency
- Ohio Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
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 ($4,400 individual, $8,750 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
LowSources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and Ohio state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use Columbus's median home value of $235,000and the local effective property tax rate of 1.56%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: Ohio Department of Taxation
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate 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