Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax by state or custom %
Quick Facts
- •5 states have no sales tax
- •Highest combined rate: ~10.25% (some Louisiana parishes)
- •Groceries are exempt in many states
Understanding Sales Tax
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by state and local governments on retail purchases. Rates vary by state — from 0% (Oregon, Montana, Delaware) to over 10% in some combined state+local jurisdictions. Unlike VAT used in Europe, US sales tax is added at the point of sale.
Understanding the sales tax calculator
Sales tax in the United States is charged at the point of sale and is not included in shelf prices, which is why the number at the register is always higher than the tag. The rate combines state, county, city and sometimes special district tax, so two shops a mile apart can charge different amounts. Working backwards from a total to find the tax portion is a separate calculation people get wrong often.
Worked examples
Tax on a 249.99 purchase at 8.25 percent
- 1Convert the rate: 8.25 percent is 0.0825.
- 2Tax = 249.99 × 0.0825 = 20.62.
- 3Total = 249.99 + 20.62 = 270.61.
20.62 in tax for a total of 270.61.
Extracting tax from a 108.00 receipt total at 8 percent
- 1Divide the total by 1 plus the rate: 108.00 ÷ 1.08 = 100.00.
- 2That 100.00 is the pre-tax price.
- 3Tax portion = 108.00 - 100.00 = 8.00.
The pre-tax price was 100.00 and the tax was 8.00.
Combined state and average local rates
| State | State rate | Avg local | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 7.25% | 1.60% | 8.85% |
| Texas | 6.25% | 1.95% | 8.20% |
| New York | 4.00% | 4.53% | 8.53% |
| Florida | 6.00% | 1.00% | 7.00% |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 2.60% | 8.85% |
| Washington | 6.50% | 2.90% | 9.40% |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 2.55% | 9.55% |
| Colorado | 2.90% | 4.90% | 7.80% |
| Oregon | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Delaware | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Averages move each year and local rates vary within a state. Confirm with your state revenue department for filing.
Practical tips
- •Groceries, prescription medicine and clothing are exempt or taxed at a lower rate in many states.
- •Online orders are taxed at the delivery address rate, not the seller's location.
- •Tax is applied after coupons issued by the retailer, but usually before manufacturer coupons.
Frequently asked questions
More Currency & Fees Tools
Related Articles
Tipping Etiquette Around the World: A Complete Guide
Tipping customs vary dramatically worldwide. This guide covers the norms for restaurants, hotels, and taxis in every major region.
How Currency Exchange Rates Work
Learn the mechanics behind exchange rates, what causes currencies to strengthen or weaken, and tips for getting the best deal.
Sales Tax in the United States: A State-by-State Overview
A comprehensive overview of sales tax across the US, including state rates, local additions, and common exemptions.
The Power of Compound Interest: A Beginner's Guide
Learn how compound interest can grow your savings exponentially and why starting early matters more than investing large sums.
Tax rates change frequently. Verify current rates with your local tax authority.