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From 2026 Ohio taxes income up to $26,050 at 0% and income above that at a flat 2.75% (HB 96 removed the 3.125% top bracket). Ohio's average annual salary is approximately $62,280. Unlike many states, Ohio does not use a broad standard deduction — instead, it allows a personal exemption of $2,400, $2,150 or $1,900 per person depending on income. Many Ohio cities also levy local income taxes on top of the state rate, with Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati all charging local rates of 2%–2.5%.
Ohio: 2026 rates (0% up to $26,050, 2.75% above) after the income-based personal exemption. Local city and school district income taxes (e.g. Columbus, Cleveland) are not included — confirm with your payroll department. Rates: Ohio Department of Taxation (HB 96).
Bi-weekly take-home
$2,189.44
Annual net: $56,926
Where your pay goes
Effective rate
18.7%
Federal marginal
22.0%
State tax uses 2026 Ohio brackets, standard deduction and credits for your filing status (state marginal rate 2.75%). City/county income taxes and state disability or leave payroll deductions are not included.
| Income | State Tax Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $26,050 | 0% | No state tax on this portion |
| Above $26,050 | 2.75% | Flat rate on the excess |
| Deduction | Rate | On $70,000 Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Federal income tax | 10%–22% (progressive) | ~$6,570 |
| Ohio state income tax | 0% / 2.75% | ~$1,150 |
| Social Security | 6.2% (up to $184,500) | $4,340 |
| Medicare | 1.45% | $1,015 |
| Est. total deductions | — | ~$13,075 |
| Est. net take-home | — | ~$56,925 |
Many Ohio cities charge a local income tax in addition to state tax — a unique feature that significantly affects take-home pay depending on where you work. Columbus charges 2.5%, Cleveland charges 2.0%, Cincinnati charges 1.8%, and Akron charges 2.5%. If you work in Columbus and live in a suburb, you may owe Columbus city tax on your work income plus your suburb's resident rate on all income. Always check your specific city's rate when calculating total Ohio take-home pay.
Ohio has a zero-rate lower bracket — the first $26,050 of income is completely exempt from state tax, making Ohio more favorable than flat-rate states like Michigan (4.25%) for lower-income earners. Ohio's personal exemption steps down from $2,400 to $1,900 per person as income rises (none above $500,000), adding some complexity. The biggest wildcard in Ohio paycheck calculations is local city income tax, which can add 1.5%–2.5% to your effective tax rate depending on where you work and live.
Starting in 2026 (HB 96), Ohio taxes income up to $26,050 at 0% and income above that at a flat 2.75%; the former 3.125% top bracket no longer applies. Many Ohio cities also charge local income taxes of 1.5%–2.5% on top of the state rate.
Yes. Many Ohio cities charge local income taxes in addition to state tax. Columbus charges 2.5%, Cleveland 2.0%, Cincinnati 1.8%, and Akron 2.5%. If you work in a city that charges local tax, it is withheld from your paycheck by your employer. Local taxes can significantly affect your Ohio take-home pay.
Ohio's 2.75% rate is lower than Michigan's flat 4.25%, Pennsylvania's flat 3.07%, Kentucky's flat 3.5% and Indiana's flat 2.95% state rate. Ohio is generally competitive with neighboring states, though local city taxes can make the effective rate higher in major cities.
Ohio does not use a broad standard deduction like the federal system. Instead, Ohio allows a personal exemption that steps down with income: $2,400 per person up to $40,000, $2,150 up to $80,000, $1,900 up to $500,000, and none above. This calculator applies one exemption for single filers and two for married filing jointly (dependents are not included), and some retirement income may be exempt from Ohio state tax. Federal deductions do not directly carry over to Ohio state returns.
On a $70,000 salary in Ohio (single filer, no local tax), total deductions include approximately $6,570 federal income tax, $1,150 Ohio state tax, $4,340 Social Security, and $1,015 Medicare — totaling approximately $13,075. Net take-home is approximately $56,925 (about $2,189 biweekly) before local city tax.
Ohio state income tax returns are due April 15, 2026, the same as federal returns. Ohio uses the same filing deadline as the IRS. If you owe local city income tax, each city has its own filing deadline — typically also April 15 but verify with your specific city.
Educational estimates only. Not IRS or payroll advice.