News from the Ohio Department of Taxation: Vendors Urged to Get Ready for New Sales Tax Rates

Business Wire, June 20, 2003

Business Editors/City Desks

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 20, 2003

Ohio vendors are encouraged to begin re-programming their cash registers and/or computers now in order to comply with the new six per cent state sales tax rate that becomes effective July 1.

"We know this is a short time frame," Ohio Tax Commissioner Thomas M. Zaino said of the effective date of the new tax rate. The new rate, going from five to six percent, was approved early Friday morning as part of the state's new budget bill.

Zaino said the Ohio Department of Taxation is updating its web page to provide new rate schedules and other information vendors need to comply with the new state tax rate.

Three Ohio counties will also see their county sales tax rates change. With the changes in state and local taxes, the rates will go from 6 to 7.5 percent in Champaign County, from 5.5 to 6.75 percent in Hancock County and 5.25 to 6.5 percent in Stark County.

Information on the new rates can be found at the Ohio Department of Taxation web site, www.state.oh.us/tax

Questions can also be answered by calling 1-888-405-4039.