Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax for any purchase
Sales Tax
How Sales Tax Works:
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by a government on the sale of goods and services. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the purchase price and collected at the point of sale.
In the United States, sales tax is primarily imposed at the state level, but many local governments (cities, counties) also add their own sales tax, resulting in different effective tax rates depending on location.
Some states exempt certain items like groceries or prescription medications from sales tax or tax them at a reduced rate.
Sales Tax Formula:
Sales Tax = Purchase Price × Tax Rate
Total Price = Purchase Price + Sales Tax
Note:
The tax rates shown are for general reference. Actual sales tax rates may vary based on local laws, item categories, and are subject to change. Always consult official sources for current rates applicable to your specific purchase.
Calculate Sales Tax
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Tax Rate
State tax rate: 7.25%
Many locations have additional city or county taxes
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Sales Tax Calculation
Subtotal:$0.00
State Tax (7.25%):$0.00
Local Tax (1.25%):$0.00
Total Tax:$0.00
Effective Tax Rate:0.00%
Total Price:$0.00
About Sales Tax
No Sales Tax States
Five states in the U.S. do not impose a statewide sales tax:
- Alaska (local taxes may apply)
- Delaware
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
Highest Sales Tax States
States with the highest combined state and average local sales tax rates:
- Tennessee (9.55%)
- Louisiana (9.52%)
- Arkansas (9.51%)
- Washington (9.29%)
- Alabama (9.22%)
Sales Tax Exemptions
Many states exempt or reduce taxes on certain items:
- Groceries/food items
- Prescription medications
- Clothing (in some states)
- Educational materials
- Medical equipment
- Agricultural supplies
Tax Holidays
Some states offer temporary sales tax exemptions during certain periods:
- Back-to-school tax holidays (school supplies, computers)
- Energy-efficient appliance tax holidays
- Disaster preparedness tax holidays
- Clothing and footwear tax holidays
Check your state's department of revenue website for current tax holiday information.