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Cincinnati Local Tax Guide (2026)

Understanding how local taxes work in Cincinnati, Ohio, and how they affect your take-home pay.

In this guide

Last updated: October 1, 2026

TL;DR
  • •Cincinnati has a local income tax that applies to income earned in the city.
  • •Residents pay 1.80% on all income.
  • •Local tax is separate from Ohio state tax and federal tax. Both are calculated independently and add to your total tax burden.
  • •Local tax directly reduces your take-home pay. Combined with state and federal taxes, the total tax burden can be significant for high earners.

What Cincinnati local tax costs at three incomes

The 1.80% resident rate is charged on top of federal tax, Ohio state tax and FICA. Priced for 2026, a $75,000 salary loses $1,350 to Cincinnati alone and takes home $58,896: a combined 21.5% of gross across all four.

SalaryCincinnati taxOhio taxFederal + FICATake-homeTotal rate
$50,000$900$659$7,645$40,79618.4%
$75,000$1,350$1,346$13,408$58,89621.5%
$120,000$2,160$2,584$26,750$88,50626.2%

How Cincinnati compares

Of the 62 US jurisdictions that levy a local income tax, Cincinnati ranks 45th by resident rate. The median is 2.50%, the highest is New York City at 3.078%–3.876%, and the lowest is St. Louis at 1.00%. Immediately above Cincinnati sits Allentown (1.975%) and below it St. Joseph County (South Bend) (1.75%).

Within Ohio, 8 jurisdictions charge a local income tax and Cincinnati is the 8th highest. Same salary, different address:

Ohio jurisdictionResident rateCost on $75,000
Akron2.50%$1,875
Canton2.50%$1,875
Cleveland2.50%$1,875
Columbus2.50%$1,875
Dayton2.50%$1,875
Toledo2.50%$1,875
Cincinnati1.80%$1,350

What local taxes apply in Cincinnati

Cincinnati has a local income tax that applies to income earned in the city.

Key Takeaway

Local taxes are separate from Ohio state tax and federal tax. They're calculated independently and add to your total tax burden.
Cincinnati local tax rates
Residency StatusRateApplies To
Resident1.80%All income

Cincinnati has a local income tax that applies to income earned in the city. The rate depends on whether you're a resident or non-resident.

Cincinnati has a local income tax that applies to income earned in the city.

Residents: If you live in Cincinnati, you pay 1.80% on all your income.

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How they interact with state taxes

Cincinnati local tax is calculated separately from Ohio state income tax. Both taxes are calculated on your taxable income and are withheld by your employer.

Tax Deduction

Some states allow you to deduct local taxes paid on your state tax return. Check Ohio tax rules to see if you can deduct Cincinnati local tax.

Cincinnati local tax is calculated separately from Ohio state income tax. This means:

  • Local tax is in addition to state tax, not instead of it
  • Both taxes are calculated on your taxable income (or wages, depending on the tax type)
  • Your employer withholds both local and state taxes from your paycheck
  • You may be able to deduct local tax on your state tax return, depending on Ohio tax rules

For example, if you earn $100,000 in Cincinnati, you pay Ohio state tax on that income, plus Cincinnati local tax. The local tax doesn't reduce your state taxable income.

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Who is affected

You're subject to Cincinnati local tax if you live in the city or work in the city, depending on whether you're a resident or non-resident.

You're subject to Cincinnati local tax if:

  • You live in Cincinnati (residents pay on all income)
  • You're self-employed and perform work in Cincinnati

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Common paycheck misconceptions

Common misunderstandings about Cincinnati local tax, including when it applies and how it's calculated.

Common misconceptions about Cincinnati local tax:

  • "It's the same as state tax": False. Local tax is separate from Ohio state tax and is calculated independently.
  • "I only pay if I live there": True for residents, but check if non-residents are subject to tax.
  • "Remote work means no tax": If you're a Cincinnati resident, you typically pay on all income regardless of where you work.

Take-home pay impact

Cincinnati local tax directly reduces your take-home pay. The amount depends on your income level and whether you're a resident or non-resident.

Cincinnati local tax directly reduces your take-home pay. For example, if you earn $100,000 as a Cincinnati resident:

  • Local tax: approximately $1800 annually
  • This reduces your bi-weekly paycheck by about $69
  • Combined with Ohio state tax and federal tax, the total tax burden can be significant

To see exactly how Cincinnati local tax affects your paycheck, use our calculator above. You can adjust your income, filing status, and deductions to see how different scenarios affect your net pay.

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Does this apply to you?

Determine whether you're subject to Cincinnati local tax based on where you live and work.

Check Your Pay Stub

Your employer should automatically withhold local tax if you're subject to it. Check your pay stub to verify that local tax is being withheld correctly. If you're unsure, contact your employer's payroll department.

You're subject to Cincinnati local tax if:

  • You live in Cincinnati (residents pay on all income)

You're not subject to Cincinnati local tax if you live and work outside the city, even if you're a Ohio resident.

See this with your numbers

Calculate your take-home pay in Ohio