Are Catering Services Taxable in Ohio?

Sales tax is levied by the state of Ohio on a number of products and services, including catering services. The provision of food and beverages for occasions like weddings, business gatherings, and celebrations is referred to as catering. As a type of “prepared food,” catering services are regarded as taxable by the Ohio Department of Taxation.

The current sales tax rate for catering services in Ohio is 7.5%. This implies that you will be compelled to pay an additional 7.5% on top of the agreed-upon amount if you engage a catering service to serve food and beverages for your event. It is significant to keep in mind that this tax is distinct from any tips or service charges that can be mentioned in the catering agreement.

Other items and services, outside catering services, are taxable in Ohio. For instance, Ohio normally does not tax apparel. There are a few exceptions to this rule, though. In Ohio, there is sales tax on clothes such formal attire, sports uniforms, and safety gear. Additionally, sales tax will be charged on clothing items whose total cost is $75 or more.

Ohio does not tax coffee beans since they are regarded as raw food. However, if you get a prepared coffee drink from a cafe or restaurant, you’ll have to pay sales tax on it. Pet food is taxable in Ohio too since it counts as a prepared food item. This implies that you must pay sales tax for pet food if you buy it in Ohio.

Why cat food is taxed in Ohio is one query that comes up frequently. The reason for this is that, like human food, cat food is regarded as a prepared food item. Any food item that has been processed, prepared, or packaged is regarded as taxable by the Ohio Department of Taxation. This includes pet food, which is frequently processed and packed so that pet owners may feed their animals more conveniently.

In conclusion, Ohio taxes catering services at a rate of 7.5%. Additionally, there are several exceptions to Ohio’s general rule that clothes is not taxable. While prepared coffee drinks are subject to sales tax, coffee beans are not. Since pet food is regarded as a prepared food item, it is also taxed in Ohio. You can prevent unpleasant surprises while buying products and services in Ohio by being aware of the state’s tax regulations.