Sales Tax
Total price with sales tax included.
The Sales Tax Calculator tells you how much a purchase will cost once tax is added, and how much of a price-inclusive total is tax. Choose a US state to auto-fill the statewide base rate, or enter any custom percentage for local, international, or blended rates. The result shows the tax amount and the total price including tax. This is most useful when budgeting a purchase where the displayed price is pre-tax, when estimating the true cost of a large purchase across different states or countries, or when working backwards from a total to find the pre-tax amount. Note: the rates shown for US states are base statewide rates. Most states allow counties and cities to add additional local sales tax on top — the combined rate in high-tax localities can be 2–4% higher than the state base rate.
Sales Tax
Formula
Examples
California (7.25%) on $200 Electronics Purchase
Base California sales tax — actual rate may be higher with local additions.
→ Tax: $14.50 | Total: $214.50 | Note: Local rates in cities like Los Angeles add ~2.5% more
Texas (6.25%) on $1,200 Appliance
Large purchase in Texas — base state rate.
→ Tax: $75.00 | Total: $1,275.00
New York City (8.875% combined) on $80 Clothing
NYC has 4% state + 4.5% city + 0.375% Metro Transit Authority tax.
→ Tax: $7.10 | Total: $87.10 | Note: Clothing under $110 per item is exempt from NY state tax but city tax may still apply
Reverse Calculation — $54.99 Total at 10%
Working backwards to find the pre-tax price from an all-inclusive total.
→ Pre-tax price: $49.99 | Tax: $5.00 | Formula: $54.99 ÷ 1.10 = $49.99
Tips
- ✓State rates shown are base rates. Add your city/county local rate for the correct total — check your state's revenue website for combined rates by zip code.
- ✓For large purchases, shop in a tax-free state if the savings justify the trip. On a $5,000 purchase, going from 10% to 0% saves $500.
- ✓Sales tax on a car purchase adds up fast: at 8%, a $35,000 vehicle incurs $2,800 in tax.
- ✓When comparing prices across retailers, always compare final prices including tax — a cheaper pre-tax price is not always cheaper all-in.
- ✓Keep receipts for tax-exempt purchases — some states require documentation to substantiate exemptions on audit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate sales tax?
Tax Amount = Price × Tax Rate ÷ 100. Total = Price + Tax Amount. Example: $120 × 8.5% = $10.20 tax, total = $130.20. To work backwards from a tax-inclusive total: Pre-tax price = Total ÷ (1 + Rate ÷ 100).
Do all US states have sales tax?
No. Five states have no statewide sales tax: Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Alaska. However, many Alaskan municipalities levy local sales taxes despite the state having no statewide rate. Always check the specific locality.
What is the highest combined sales tax rate in the US?
Louisiana and Tennessee consistently have among the highest combined (state + local) sales tax rates, often exceeding 9–10%. Some zip codes in these states approach 12% when local rates are added. The calculator shows base statewide rates — always check your specific city/county for the full rate.
Are groceries and medicine exempt from sales tax?
Many states exempt groceries and prescription drugs from sales tax, or tax them at a reduced rate. For example, California exempts most grocery food items but not prepared food. Texas exempts most grocery items. Rules vary significantly by state and product category — check your state's department of revenue for specifics.
What is the difference between sales tax and VAT?
Sales tax is collected only at the final point of sale to the consumer. VAT (Value Added Tax) is collected at each stage of production and distribution. The consumer-facing price effect is similar, but VAT is used in most of Europe, Asia, and Latin America, while sales tax is the US system. See the VAT Calculator for VAT calculations.
How does online shopping affect sales tax?
Following the 2018 US Supreme Court Wayfair decision, online retailers must collect sales tax in states where they have economic nexus (typically $100,000 in sales or 200+ transactions per year), even without a physical presence. Most major online retailers now collect sales tax for all states with a sales tax.
Can I use this calculator for non-US tax rates?
Yes. Use the "Custom rate" option to enter any percentage. This works for provincial sales taxes in Canada (PST/HST/GST), goods and services taxes (GST) in Australia and New Zealand, or any other ad-valorem tax expressed as a percentage.
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Disclaimer: Tax rates change frequently and vary by locality. The state rates shown are general reference rates and may not reflect current legislation, local additions, or product-specific exemptions. This calculator is for estimation purposes only. Verify current rates with your state's department of revenue for compliance purposes.