Sales Tax
The Sales Tax Calculator helps you calculate sales tax for purchases in the United States. Includes state-by-state rates and local tax adjustments.
Sales Tax Calculation
For US states and local taxes
Sales Tax Breakdown
About Sales Tax Calculator
The Sales Tax Calculator helps you calculate sales tax for purchases in the United States. Whether you're shopping online, planning a budget, or running a business, this calculator gives you instant and accurate sales tax calculations.
Sales tax rates vary by state, county, and city. This calculator includes base state rates and allows you to add local taxes for more accurate results.
Sales Tax Formula
Add Sales Tax
Total = Amount × (1 + Tax Rate/100)
Example: $100 × 1.08 = $108 (Tax $8)
Remove Sales Tax
Pre-Tax = Total ÷ (1 + Tax Rate/100)
Example: $108 ÷ 1.08 = $100 (Tax $8)
Sales Tax Rates by US State
| State | State Rate | Max Combined | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 7.25% | 10.25% | Highest combined rate can exceed 10% |
| Texas | 6.25% | 8.25% | No state tax on groceries |
| New York | 4% | 8.875% | NYC adds 4.5% local tax |
| Florida | 6% | 7.5% | No state tax on groceries |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 10.25% | Home rule communities add tax |
| Pennsylvania | 6% | 8% | Clothing exempt |
| Ohio | 5.75% | 8% | No tax on groceries |
| Georgia | 4% | 8% | Local option sales tax |
| Michigan | 6% | 6% | No local sales tax |
| Washington | 6.5% | 10.4% | High combined rates |
Note: Local city/county taxes can add additional 1-5% to the base state rate.
Important Things to Know
- •Sales tax varies by location — Different cities and counties within the same state can have different total tax rates.
- •Some items are exempt — Groceries, prescription drugs, and clothing are tax-exempt in many states.
- •Online purchases now taxable — Most states require online retailers to collect sales tax based on the buyer's location.
- •Businesses need to register — If you sell products, you may need to register for a sales tax permit in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by state and local governments on the sale of goods and services. Unlike VAT which is collected at each stage, sales tax is only collected at the final point of sale to the end consumer. Rates vary by state, county, and city in the US.
Sales tax is collected only at the final sale to the consumer. VAT (Value Added Tax) is collected at every stage of production and distribution. Sales tax is common in the United States, while VAT is used in most other countries including Europe, Canada (GST), Australia, and India.
To add sales tax: Total Price = Original Price × (1 + Sales Tax Rate/100). Example: $100 at 8% sales tax = $100 × 1.08 = $108. To remove sales tax: Original Price = Total Price ÷ (1 + Sales Tax Rate/100). Example: $108 ÷ 1.08 = $100.
State sales tax rates vary: California (7.25%), Texas (6.25%), New York (4%), Florida (6%), Illinois (6.25%), Pennsylvania (6%), Ohio (5.75%), Georgia (4%), North Carolina (4.75%), Michigan (6%). Local taxes can add 1-5% more.
Common exemptions include groceries (in most states), prescription drugs, medical devices, some agricultural supplies, manufacturing equipment, and clothing (in some states like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Minnesota). Each state has its own exemption rules.
Yes. Following the 2018 Supreme Court decision (South Dakota v. Wayfair), states can require online retailers to collect sales tax even if they don't have a physical presence in the state. Most major online retailers now charge sales tax based on the buyer's location.
About the Sales Tax
The Sales Tax Calculator helps you calculate sales tax for purchases in the United States. Includes state-by-state rates and local tax adjustments.
Formula
Reference Table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| California | 7.25% |
| Texas | 6.25% |
| New York | 4% |
| Florida | 6% |
| Illinois | 6.25% |