Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax instantly, find pre-tax amounts from totals, and compute combined rates from multiple tax jurisdictions
Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax, find pre-tax amounts, and compute combined tax rates from multiple jurisdictions
Original price before tax
Combined sales tax rate
Pre-Tax Amount
$100.00
Sales Tax (8.25%)
+ $8.25
Total with Tax
$108.25
Quick Reference - Common Tax Rates
What is Sales Tax?
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by governments on the sale of goods and services. In the United States, sales tax is collected at the point of sale by the retailer and passed on to the government. Unlike VAT (Value Added Tax) used in many countries, U.S. sales tax is only collected at the final point of sale.
Sales tax rates vary significantly by location. In the U.S., there is no federal sales tax - it's entirely state and local. Combined rates can range from 0% (in states like Oregon) to over 10% in some cities.
Sales Tax Formulas
Calculate Tax
Tax = Price × (Tax Rate ÷ 100)
Total = Price + Tax
Reverse Calculate (Find Pre-Tax)
Pre-Tax = Total ÷ (1 + Tax Rate ÷ 100)
Tax Paid = Total - Pre-Tax
U.S. Sales Tax by State
| State | State Rate | Max Local | Max Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 7.25% | 2.50% | 10.25% |
| Texas | 6.25% | 2.00% | 8.25% |
| New York | 4.00% | 4.875% | 8.875% |
| Florida | 6.00% | 2.00% | 8.00% |
| Washington | 6.50% | 4.10% | 10.60% |
| Oregon | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Note: Five states have no sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon.
How to Use This Calculator
Calculate Tax Tab
Enter the pre-tax price and tax rate to calculate how much tax you'll pay and the total amount. Useful for budgeting purchases or creating invoices.
Reverse Tax Tab
Have a receipt showing the total but need to know the pre-tax amount? Enter the total paid and the tax rate to find the original price before tax was added.
Combined Rates Tab
Calculate taxes when multiple jurisdictions apply (state, county, city, special districts). See exactly how much goes to each taxing authority.
Sales Tax vs VAT
Sales Tax (U.S.)
- Collected only at final sale
- Varies by state and locality
- Typically 0-10%
- Not included in displayed price
- Business-to-business exempt
VAT (Most Countries)
- Collected at each stage
- National rate (usually)
- Typically 15-25%
- Usually included in price
- Businesses can reclaim input VAT
Tax-Exempt Items
Many states exempt certain items from sales tax. Common exemptions include:
- Groceries and unprepared food
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment
- Clothing (in some states)
- Agricultural equipment
- Manufacturing machinery
- Items for resale
- Non-profit organization purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I see different tax rates on the same receipt?
Some items may be taxed at different rates. For example, prepared food might have a higher rate than groceries, or certain items may be tax-exempt. Retailers often show the breakdown by tax category.
Do I have to pay sales tax on online purchases?
Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, most online sellers must collect sales tax if they have "economic nexus" in your state. You'll typically pay your local rate.
How do I find my exact local tax rate?
Your local tax rate depends on your specific address. You can find it on your state's department of revenue website by entering your address, or by checking a recent receipt from a local store.
Is sales tax deductible on my federal taxes?
Yes, you can deduct either state and local income taxes OR sales taxes (but not both) as an itemized deduction on Schedule A. The IRS provides tables based on income and state, or you can track actual sales tax paid.
Sales Tax for Businesses
Registration: Businesses must register for a sales tax permit in each state where they have nexus (physical presence or economic activity above thresholds).
Collection: Sales tax is collected from customers at the point of sale and held in trust for the state.
Remittance: Collected taxes must be filed and paid to the state on a regular schedule (monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on volume).
Exemption Certificates: Keep valid exemption certificates on file for any sales claimed as exempt (resales, non-profits, etc.).