Sales Tax in Columbus, Georgia in 2025

We'll walk you through how the sales tax rate is determined for Columbus and address some common questions you may have. We'll also cover how to collect, audit, and remit sales tax in Columbus.

Plus, we’ll share the best solution that will ensure you are always compliant across the entire sales tax lifecycle.

Disclaimer: Our sales tax data is updated on a quarterly basis.

Columbus Sales Tax Rate 2025

Columbus is located in Muscogee County in Georgia, United States, and has a sales tax rate of 9.00%. This includes local and state sales tax rates.

Here is the breakdown of the Columbus's sales tax:

Tax Jurisdiction	Sales Tax Rate
State Tax	4.00%
County Tax	5.00%
Combined Rate	9.00%

This rate applies to the following zip codes in Columbus:

District	Zip Codes	Combined Sales Tax Rate
Muscogee County	31909, 31904, 31914, 31906, 31917, 31901, 31902, 31907, 31903, 31908	9.00%

How Does the Columbus Sales Tax Compare to the Rest of Georgia?

Columbus’s 9.00% sales tax rate is the highest rate you can find in Georgia. It is 3.00% higher than Georgia’s lowest rate, which is 6.00% and can be found in Peachtree Corners, among other places.

To give you a better idea, here’s a comparison of Columbus sales tax rates with a few other cities in Georgia:

City	Sales Tax Rates
Warthen	9.00%
Davisboro	9.00%
Columbus	9.00%
Atlanta	8.90%
Acworth	6.00%

What Creates Sales Tax Nexus in Columbus?

Columbus follows the nexus rules as set out by Georgia sales tax law. It doesn’t have any nexus rules outside of the state law. 

Read More: Check out our detailed guide on Sales Tax in Georgia.

Georgia sales tax nexus rules include:

• Physical Nexus: If you have an office, warehouse, or any other place of business.
• Economic Nexus: If you have gross sales exceeding $100,000 or 200 or more retail transactions in the state in the previous or current calendar year.
• Trade Shows: If you participate in trade shows for more than 5 days in a period of 12 months and have sales of more than $100,000.
• Employee Location: If you have employees, contractors, salespeople, installers, other personnel, or a third-party affiliate in the state. 

What Products Are Exempt from Columbus Sales Tax?

Georgia sales tax law grants the following tax exemptions, which are valid in Columbus: 

• Objects of art and of anthropological, archeological, geological, horticultural value as well as zoological objects or similar tangible personal property.
• Sales of water delivered through water mains, lines, or pipes.
• Sales of tangible personal property manufactured or assembled in Georgia for export.
• Sales or use of prescription drugs that are lawfully dispensable for the treatment of natural persons
• Insulin syringes and blood glucose level measuring strips dispensed without a prescription.
• Rental of videotape or film to persons charging admission fees to view the tape or film. 
• Food stamps or WIC coupons are used as the payment method.

There are no additional exemptions unique to Columbus taxpayers.

Who Needs a Sales Permit in Columbus?

Anyone who plans to sell taxable goods and services in Columbus or anywhere in Georgia needs to get a sales permit.

You can register for a Georgia seller's permit online at the Georgia Department of Revenue.

How to Collect Sales Tax in Columbus

Georgia is a ‘destination-based’ sales tax sourcing state. 

What does this mean?

When you make a taxable sale to a customer in Georgia, you should charge the combined sales tax rate at the buyer’s ship-to address. 

For instance, you have a business located in Columbus, Georgia, and sell to a customer in Atlanta. Then, you’ll have to charge the customer the Atlanta sales tax rate.

Learn more about origin-based and destination-based sales tax sourcing here.

How to File and Pay Sales Tax in Columbus

You have multiple options to file and pay Columbus sales tax returns:

• File and pay online: File and pay online at the Georgia Tax Center. You are required to file online if you owe more than $500.
• File and pay by mail: Fill out Sales and Use Tax Returns and Addendums (Form ST-3) and mail in your payment.
• Or, you can ditch the sales tax paperwork jungle and embrace simplicity with Zamp. We streamline your sales tax chores by automating filings, overseeing your transactions, and ensuring compliance -– all across the United States!
  Sales tax? Consider it taken care of. Our service covers everything from precise calculations to hassle-free filings. You can stay compliant and focus on what matters most — your business and clients.