Ohio Beverage Tax: What drinks are taxed in Ohio?

Ohio charges a sales tax on a variety of goods and services, including some alcoholic beverages, that are sold within the state. The general sales tax rate in Ohio is 5.75% as of September 2021, and it is charged on the majority of goods. But Ohio also levies a few extra taxes on a select goods, such as a tax on soft drinks and other non-alcoholic alcoholic beverages.

The 5.75% sales tax in Ohio is applied to non-alcoholic beverages like soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, and other sweetened beverages. The tax is tacked on to the beverage’s purchase price at the point of sale. There are a few exceptions to the norm, though. For instance, the tax does not apply to milk, infant formula, or 100% pure fruit juice.

You might be wondering why Ohio taxes cat food at this point. Well, pet food, including cat food, is subject to a sales tax in Ohio. On purchases of pet food, pet owners must pay the usual sales tax of 5.75%. Numerous other US states also charge a tax on pet food, therefore Ohio is not the only state with this tax.

All tangible personal property, including vegetable plants, is subject to Ohio’s sales tax rate. Therefore, you must pay the usual sales tax on your purchase if you buy a vegetable plant from a nursery. However, seeds for home vegetable gardening are typically exempt from Ohio’s sales tax.

Lemonade is regarded as a soft drink and is hence subject to Ohio’s 5.75% sales tax rate. Lemonade may be exempt from tax if it is produced with freshly squeezed lemons and doesn’t have any sugar added to it. Lemonade will be charged if sugar or any other sweets are added.

In conclusion, Ohio taxes non-alcoholic drinks like soda and sports drinks but doesn’t tax milk and 100% pure fruit juice. The sales tax rate in Ohio is also applicable to cat food. Ohio taxes vegetable plants, however seeds for home vegetable gardening are typically exempt. Finally, if lemonade has additional sugars, Ohio taxes it.