How Ohio state tax withholding works
Ohio taxes wage income, so your employer withholds Ohio income tax from each paycheck in addition to federal tax. You tell your employer how much to withhold on Form IT 4 (Employee's Withholding Exemption Certificate), the state’s counterpart to the federal Form W-4.
For 2026, Ohio uses graduated tax rates. Each rate applies only to the income within its band — the single-filer schedule is:
| Rate | Taxable income over |
|---|---|
| 0% | $0 |
| 2.75% | $26,050 |
Enter your pay above to see your estimated Ohio withholding per paycheck and per year, alongside your federal withholding and the exact W-4 entries.
Ohio vs. federal withholding
Your Ohio and federal withholding are figured separately. Federal withholding follows the IRS Publication 15-T tables and your Form W-4; Ohio withholding follows the state’s own rates and your Form IT 4. Getting one right doesn’t guarantee the other — this calculator handles both so you don’t owe a surprise bill to either the IRS or Ohio.
Important Ohio notes
- Ohio is transitioning to a flat 2.75% rate for 2026, with income below ~$26,050 exempt. Many Ohio municipalities levy a separate local income tax not included here.
Frequently asked questions
Sources & disclaimer
Federal figures use the 2026 IRS Publication 15-T. Ohio withholding is based on the 2026 Ohio income-tax structure; confirm exact figures and complete Form IT 4 at the tax.ohio.gov website.
This tool provides estimates for educational purposes and is not tax advice. State withholding is modeled from the state’s income-tax rules and may differ from the exact wage-bracket tables your employer uses. Verify against your pay stub and consult a qualified tax professional before submitting your W-4 or Form IT 4.
