On or before October 15th of each year the Ohio Tax Commissioner is required, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code §5703.47, to determine the interest rate for certain taxes and other purposes. The rate is computed by taking the federal short-term interest rate as defined by 26 U.S.C. §1274, rounding it to the nearest whole number, and adding 3%. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code §1343.03(A), this rate applies to all judgments granted by Ohio courts, unless said judgment arises from a written contract that provides for a different rate of interest.
The tax commissioner has determined that this rate is 8% for the year 2025. This is the second year in a row that the judgment interest rate is 8%. Prior to this, the judgment interest rate was 3% in 2022 and 5% in 2023. All judgments granted in Ohio in 2025 will bear interest at the rate of 8% per annum, except where there is a written contract providing for a different rate of interest. Under Ohio Revised Code §1343.03(B), the rate stated in the judgment entry remains in effect until the judgment is satisfied.
If you have questions about this topic, please connect with shareholder and Consumer Collections Group chair David Head at any time.
