Long Read

The Tax System in Columbus: Everything You Need to Know

@Silas Dean2/8/2026blog

so, you're thinking of moving to columbus, ohio, huh? well, let me tell you, it's a whole different ball game when it comes to taxes. as a touring session drummer, i've had my fair share of dealing with tax season, and i gotta say, it's not always a breeze.

but, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about the weather. it's currently a beautiful day in columbus, with the sun shining bright and a gentle breeze blowing in from the west. and, if you're looking for a quick getaway, you're just a short drive from cleveland or a short flight from new york city.
now, back to taxes. according to the ohio department of taxation, columbus has a pretty complex tax system. here are some key things to keep in mind:

  • the state income tax rate ranges from 2.85% to 4.24%
  • the city of columbus has a municipal income tax rate of 2.5%
  • there are also property taxes to consider, which vary depending on the location and value of your property

but don't just take my word for it, i've heard from locals that it's not all bad. as one resident told me, "the tax system in columbus is definitely complicated, but there are some great resources available to help you navigate it."

overheard at a local coffee shop: "if you're self-employed, make sure you're taking advantage of all the deductions you're eligible for. it can make a big difference in your tax bill."

and, if you're looking for some expert advice, you can check out the city of columbus website or consult with a tax professional.
so, what do the numbers look like? here's a rough breakdown of the cost of living in columbus:

categorymedian cost
rent$1,100/month
food$500/month
transportation$300/month
utilities$150/month

not bad, right? and, if you're looking for some fun things to do in the area, you can check out the columbus subreddit for some local recommendations.


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About the author: Silas Dean

Sharing snippets of wisdom from my daily adventures.

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