Ohio Car Sales Tax Calculator

What you pay in tax when you buy a vehicle in Ohio, from the statute and the revenue department.

Verified September 21, 2026 · statute and revenue department cross-checked

Vehicle price (USD) Trade-in value (USD) County and transit rate where you live

Buying the car is only half the cost. You still owe an annual registration fee.

What to know about Ohio

The trade-in credit only works when you buy a new vehicle. Trade a car in on a used car and you get nothing, which is a costly surprise. The rate is set by the county where you live. Private sales are taxable because Ohio specifically excludes motor vehicles from its casual sale exemption.

Sources

Statute: R.C. 5739.02

Ohio Department of Taxation, Sales Tax for Motor Vehicles
“that provision specifically excludes the transfer of a motor vehicle from the definition of casual sale. As a result, a motor vehicle purchased in a casual sale is subject to sales or use tax”

Ohio Department of Taxation, Sales and Use Tax
“Counties and regional transit authorities in Ohio can add sales tax in small increments (multiples of 0.05%) up to a maximum of 3 percent.”

Last verified: September 21, 2026.

Estimates only. Your dealer or the state issues the final bill, and exemptions can change what you owe. This page does not collect or store anything you enter.