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US Sales Tax Calculator

Calculate sales tax by state and local rate. Covers multiple tax jurisdictions and rates.

Purchase Details

Purchase Amount

State

Local Tax Rate (City / County) — Optional

Enter additional city or county sales tax rate, if applicable. Leave blank for state-only tax.

How Sales Tax Works in the United States

Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by state and local governments on the sale of goods and certain services. Unlike a federal income tax that is consistent nationwide, sales tax rates vary widely depending on where you shop.

State vs. Local Sales Tax

Most states charge a base sales tax rate, but cities and counties can add their own local taxes on top. For example, California has a 7.25% state rate, but many cities add 1-2.5%, pushing the total rate to 9% or higher. This means two purchases in the same state can be taxed at very different rates depending on the city.

States With No Sales Tax

Five states have no statewide sales tax:

Alaska — no state sales tax, but some localities charge up to 7.5%
Delaware — no sales tax at any level
Montana — no sales tax at any level (some resort areas have a small tax)
New Hampshire — no sales tax at any level
Oregon — no sales tax at any level

Sales Tax vs. Use Tax

Sales tax is collected by the seller at the point of purchase. Use tax is owed by the buyer when sales tax was not collected — for example, when purchasing goods online from an out-of-state retailer that does not charge tax, or buying items in a state with no sales tax and bringing them home to a state that does have one. Use tax is typically the same rate as your local sales tax. While often underreported by individuals, businesses are expected to self-assess and remit use tax on untaxed purchases.

What Is and Isn't Taxed

Taxability rules differ by state. Most states exempt groceries (unprepared food), prescription medications, and certain clothing. Prepared food, electronics, furniture, and most retail goods are typically taxable. Some states also tax digital goods, software, and certain services. Always check your state's specific rules for the items you're purchasing.

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How to Use the US Sales Tax Calculator

1
Enter your values
Open the US Sales Tax Calculator and fill in the required input fields with your numbers or selections.
2
Review the calculation
The tool automatically computes the result as you type. Double-check your inputs to ensure accuracy.
3
Interpret your results
Review the calculated output along with any breakdowns, charts, or explanations provided to understand what the numbers mean for your situation.

Sources & Verification

Tax rates verified against official government sources for current published tax years

IRS HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Published by ConvertCrunch Editorial Team | Our Methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

How does US sales tax work?

US sales tax is a consumption tax charged at the point of sale on most goods and some services. Unlike VAT, it is only collected at the final retail transaction. Rates are set by individual states, counties, and cities, creating thousands of unique tax jurisdictions. Total rates typically range from 0% (in states like Oregon and Montana) to over 10% in some cities. Five states have no state sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon.

What items are exempt from sales tax?

Exemptions vary by state, but common ones include unprepared groceries (exempt in about 30 states), prescription medications (exempt in all states), and clothing (exempt in a few states including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Minnesota). Most states also exempt medical devices, certain agricultural supplies, and items purchased for resale. Some states hold annual sales tax holidays for back-to-school supplies, hurricane preparedness items, or energy-efficient appliances.

Does sales tax apply to online purchases?

Yes. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, states can require online sellers to collect sales tax even without a physical presence in the state. Most states now require collection if a seller exceeds a threshold (commonly $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions). If a seller does not collect sales tax, you are technically required to pay the equivalent use tax on your state income tax return.

How do I find the exact sales tax rate for my location?

Your total sales tax rate is the combined state, county, and city rate for your specific address. This calculator covers state rates and common local rates, but for exact rates you can check your state's Department of Revenue website or use the jurisdiction lookup tools they provide. Rates can change quarterly, so always verify before making large purchases. Some locations also have special taxing districts for transit, stadiums, or other purposes.

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