When purchasing a used vehicle in Ohio, several taxes and fees contribute to the total cost beyond the advertised price. This calculator helps estimate these mandatory expenses, including the state sales tax, title transfer fee, and license plate costs.
Ohio Sales Tax on Vehicles
Ohio imposes a state sales tax on the purchase of motor vehicles. For used vehicles, the state sales tax rate is 5.5%. This tax is calculated based on the vehicle's purchase price. Some local taxes may also apply, but this calculator focuses on the state portion and common fees. It's crucial to verify any additional local taxes with your county auditor or title office.
Calculation: Vehicle Purchase Price × 0.055
Title Transfer Fee
A standard fee is charged by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) for transferring the vehicle's title into your name. This fee is generally a fixed amount.
Typical Fee: $15.00 (This can vary slightly, so always confirm with the BMV or your local deputy registrar.)
License Plate Fees
The cost of license plates depends on the type of vehicle. Different categories, such as passenger vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, and commercial vehicles, have distinct plate fees. This calculator includes a field to enter a typical fee, but the exact amount should be confirmed based on your specific vehicle type.
Example Fees:
Passenger Vehicles: Often around $20-$25 per set, but can vary by county and renewal cycle.
Motorcycles: Typically lower than passenger vehicles.
RV/Motorhome: Higher fees based on weight.
Note: This calculator uses the provided fee directly. It does not calculate based on plate type alone, as actual costs can be complex.
How to Use the Calculator
To get an accurate estimate:
Vehicle Purchase Price: Enter the exact price you agreed to pay for the used car.
Title Transfer Fee: Input the standard fee, typically $15.00.
License Plate Fee: Enter the estimated cost for your vehicle's license plates. Consult your local BMV for the precise amount.
License Plate Type: While not used in the core calculation of this tool, entering the type helps you remember which vehicle the estimate is for.
Click "Calculate Taxes & Fees" to see the estimated total cost, including the state sales tax, title transfer, and license plate fees.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides an estimate for informational purposes only. Tax rates, fees, and regulations are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website or your local deputy registrar license agency. This tool does not account for all potential local taxes or special circumstances.
function calculateOhioCarTaxes() {
var vehiclePrice = parseFloat(document.getElementById("vehiclePrice").value);
var titleTransferFee = parseFloat(document.getElementById("titleTransferFee").value);
var licensePlateFee = parseFloat(document.getElementById("licensePlateFee").value);
var plateType = document.getElementById("plateType").value;
var salesTaxRate = 0.055; // 5.5% state sales tax
var calculatedSalesTax = 0;
var totalFees = 0;
var errorMessage = "";
if (isNaN(vehiclePrice) || vehiclePrice < 0) {
errorMessage += "Please enter a valid vehicle purchase price.\n";
}
if (isNaN(titleTransferFee) || titleTransferFee < 0) {
errorMessage += "Please enter a valid title transfer fee.\n";
}
if (isNaN(licensePlateFee) || licensePlateFee < 0) {
errorMessage += "Please enter a valid license plate fee.\n";
}
if (errorMessage) {
alert(errorMessage);
document.getElementById("result").style.display = 'none';
return;
}
calculatedSalesTax = vehiclePrice * salesTaxRate;
totalFees = calculatedSalesTax + titleTransferFee + licensePlateFee;
var resultAmountElement = document.getElementById("result-amount");
var taxBreakdownElement = document.getElementById("tax-breakdown");
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
resultAmountElement.innerHTML = "$" + totalFees.toFixed(2);
taxBreakdownElement.innerHTML =
"Sales Tax (5.5%): $" + calculatedSalesTax.toFixed(2) + "" +
"Title Transfer Fee: $" + titleTransferFee.toFixed(2) + "" +
"License Plate Fee: $" + licensePlateFee.toFixed(2);
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
}