Mar 31, 2025 - News
Sales tax in Franklin County is going up
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The sales tax rate in Franklin County increases to 8% Tuesday to begin funding the LinkUs projects voters approved in November.
Why it matters: The rate, up from 7.5%, is now tied with Cuyahoga County for the most expensive in the state.
How it works: Ohio's statewide sales tax rate is 5.75%, but counties and regional transit authorities can levy additional taxes beyond that.
- Franklin County has levied 1.25%.
- The Central Ohio Regional Transit Authority levy is the part that's going up Tuesday, from 0.5% to 1%, following the LinkUs vote.
- The new rate also applies in the areas of Delaware, Licking, Fairfield and Union counties that COTA services.
The bottom line: A 0.5% sales tax increase may not seem like a lot, but it can add up for expensive, major purchases.
- If you buy a $35,000 car, for example, it's a difference of $175.
Heads up: If you travel to another county with a lower sales tax rate to purchase a vehicle or boat, state law requires you to pay your home county's rate.