The sales tax in Franklin County and slivers of a few surrounding counties will increase by half a percent on Jan. 1.
In November, voters approved a Central Ohio Transit Authority levy that will bring COTA’s share of sales tax to 1%. The increase will fund LinkUS , a plan to improve bus service, create rapid bus lines and build more sidewalks and bike paths.
As you weigh whether to make a big purchase this year before the tax increase, here’s what you need to know.
Where does the COTA sales tax apply
COTA’s sales tax applies within the COTA service area. This includes all of Franklin County but also where Dublin, Westerville, Columbus and Reynoldsburg dip into surrounding counties— Delaware, Licking, Fairfield and Union.
What will the total sales tax be
Sales tax is a combination of taxes imposed by the state, counties and transit authorities like COTA. Currently, the state imposes a 5.75% sales tax on most sales and services.
Starting Jan. 1, the total sales tax in Franklin County will be 8%, including 1.25% for the county and 1% for COTA.