Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax for all 50 US states + 7,500+ cities. Instantly find pre-tax prices, after-tax totals, and compare tax rates across locations.
Select Calculation Mode
Select Location
Common Shopping Examples
Sales Tax Calculation
Select a state and enter price details to calculate sales tax. See breakdown of state, local, and total tax rates.
2024 Sales Tax Rates by State
Sales tax rates vary significantly across the United States. Below are the current combined state and average local sales tax rates for all 50 states and Washington D.C., updated for 2024.
| State | State Rate | Avg Local Rate | Combined Rate | Rank | Tax-Free Items |
|---|
Understanding Sales Tax in the United States
How Sales Tax Works
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by state and local governments on the sale of goods and services. Unlike VAT (Value Added Tax) used in other countries, sales tax in the US is only charged at the final point of sale to the consumer.
- Tax rates vary by state, county, and city
- Some items are tax-exempt (groceries, prescription drugs)
- Online purchases may be subject to sales tax
- Businesses collect and remit tax to governments
State vs Local Sales Tax
Most states have both a state-level sales tax and allow local jurisdictions (counties, cities, special districts) to impose additional taxes. The total sales tax rate is the sum of all applicable rates.
Example: Los Angeles, California
Common Sales Tax Exemptions & Rules
| Category | Typical Tax Status | States with Exceptions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt in 33 states | CA, IL, VA (taxed at reduced rate) | Prepared foods usually taxed |
| Prescription Drugs | Exempt in 45 states | IL, MS, AR (taxed) | Over-the-counter drugs usually taxed |
| Clothing | Taxed in 40 states | MA, MN, PA, RI (exempt) | Some states exempt clothing under $X |
| Digital Products | Taxed in 30+ states | Varies by state definition | Includes e-books, software, streaming |
| Services | Mostly exempt | HI, NM, SD, WV (tax many services) | Haircuts, repairs, professional services |
Important: Online Sales Tax Rules
Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, online retailers must collect sales tax in states where they have "economic nexus" (typically $100,000+ in sales or 200+ transactions). This means most online purchases are now subject to sales tax.
Use our calculator to estimate tax for online purchases from different states.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which states have no sales tax?
Five states have no state sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. However, Alaska allows local jurisdictions to impose sales tax, and some cities in Alaska do have sales tax. Delaware has a gross receipts tax on businesses instead.
How do I calculate reverse sales tax?
Use our reverse tax calculator mode. Formula: Pre-tax Price = Total Price ÷ (1 + Tax Rate). Example: You paid $107.50 total with 7.5% tax. Pre-tax price = $107.50 ÷ 1.075 = $100. The tax amount was $7.50.
Are groceries taxable in my state?
It varies by state. 33 states exempt most groceries from sales tax. 6 states tax groceries at the full rate, and 11 states tax them at a reduced rate. Use our state table above to check your state's rules. "Groceries" usually means unprepared food for home consumption.
What's the difference between sales tax and use tax?
Sales tax is collected by the seller at point of sale. Use tax is paid directly by consumers for items purchased without sales tax (usually out-of-state or online purchases). Most states require residents to report and pay use tax on their income tax returns.
How accurate are your tax rates?
Our database includes current 2024 rates for all 50 states + Washington D.C., with over 7,500 local jurisdictions. Rates are updated quarterly from official state revenue department sources. For exact rates in specific zip codes, consult your state's revenue website.
Related Finance & Shopping Calculators
Tools that complement your tax calculations: