Hamilton income tax
Hamilton levies 2% and credits 100% of the tax you pay to the city you work in, computed on at most 2% of wages.
| Rate | 2% |
|---|---|
| Credit factorshare of the work city's tax credited | 100% |
| Credit limitcap on wages the credit is computed against | 2% |
What a Hamilton resident owes on $60,000
The work city withholds; Hamilton then charges its own rate less the credit. The last column is what is usually not withheld from any paycheck.
| Work city | Withheld there | Credit | Owed to Hamilton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus2.5% | $1,500 | $1,200 | $0 |
| Cleveland2.5% | $1,500 | $1,200 | $0 |
| Findlay1% | $600 | $600 | $600 |
Source: RITA (Regional Income Tax Agency) — municipality rate, credit factor and credit rate, read 2026-08-22. School district income tax and JEDD/JEDZ levies are separate and are not modelled here.
Hamilton income tax: common questions
What is the income tax rate in Hamilton, Ohio?
2% on wages for 2026. Your employer withholds for the city you WORK in, so if you work elsewhere in Ohio you may owe Hamilton a residual at filing time rather than nothing.
Does Hamilton credit tax I paid to the city I work in?
Partly, and the two parameters matter separately. Hamilton credits 100% of the tax paid to the work city, and computes that credit against at most 2% of your wages. Both have to be applied: the credit is 100% of the LESSER of what the work city took and 2% of wages.
Is Hamilton a RITA city?
Yes. Hamilton's rate, credit factor and credit rate are published by RITA, the Regional Income Tax Agency, which administers municipal income tax for its member cities. That means residents generally file and pay through RITA rather than directly with Hamilton, and a RITA account covers every member municipality you owe in the same filing.
Why do I owe Hamilton money at filing time?
Because Ohio employers withhold for the WORK city, not the home city — ORC 718.03(A)(1). If Hamilton's rate exceeds what its credit absorbs, the difference is owed directly to Hamilton and is usually not withheld from any paycheck. That residual is what catches people out.