This quick guide shows exactly which fees typically appear on an Ohio lease and how to add them up. It’s designed to help you understand what’s due at signing and how taxes are applied in Ohio.

Ohio Lease Fees You’ll Commonly See

• Plate/Registration: $100 (Ohio plate fee)
• Convenience Fee: $50
• Documentation Fee: $387
• Acquisition (AQ) Fee: if required by the lease bank (amount varies)
• Sales Tax: Ohio taxes the monthly payment, plus any cash down/cap cost reduction and manufacturer rebates applied to the deal. Use your local (state + county) tax rate.

Quick Formula

Due at Signing generally equals:

First Month’s Payment (pre-tax) + Sales Tax on that Payment +
Plate $100 + Convenience $50 + Doc $387 + AQ Fee (if required) +
Cash Down + Sales Tax on Cash Down and Rebates

Note: Some fees can be rolled into the lease instead of paid up front; that changes both your monthly and your due-at-signing total.

Step-by-Step Examples (replace the tax rate with your local rate)

Example A: $0 Down (Fees + First Payment Only)

• Pre-tax monthly payment: $399.00
• Local sales tax rate (example): 6.75%
• Tax on first payment: $399.00 × 0.0675 = $26.93
• First payment with tax: $399.00 + $26.93 = $425.93
• Fixed Ohio fees: Plate $100 + Convenience $50 + Doc $387 = $537.00
• Acquisition fee (example): $895.00 (if applicable)

Estimated due at signing = $425.93 + $537.00 + $895.00 = $1,857.93

Example B: $2,500 Down and $1,000 Rebate Applied

• Pre-tax monthly payment: $399.00
• Local sales tax rate (example): 6.75%
• Tax on first payment: $399.00 × 0.0675 = $26.93
• Tax on down + rebate: ($2,500 + $1,000) × 0.0675 = $236.25
• First payment with tax: $425.93
• Fixed Ohio fees: $537.00
• Acquisition fee (example): $895.00 (if applicable)

Estimated due at signing = $2,500.00 + $236.25 + $425.93 + $537.00 + $895.00 = $4,594.18

Where to Plug in Your Numbers

1. Monthly payment (pre-tax): from your quote or deal sheet.
2. Local tax rate: use your county rate (state + local). Replace 6.75% in the example with your exact rate.
3. Down payment & rebates: if you’re putting money down or using manufacturer rebates, include both and tax them at your local rate.
4. Fees: add Plate ($100) + Convenience ($50) + Doc ($387) + AQ fee (if required).

Tips

• If the bank waives or you roll in the AQ fee, your due-at-signing will drop, but your monthly can increase.
• Some dealers let you roll the Ohio fees into the lease; verify how that changes your payment and total cost.
• Always compare total due at signing and the total of payments over the term, not just the monthly.

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