Sales Tax Calculator

How to Use the Sales Tax Calculator

Enter the pre-tax price of your purchase and the applicable sales tax rate. The calculator instantly shows the tax amount and the total price including tax. Use this before making a purchase to know the exact out-of-pocket cost, or use it to verify the tax charged on a receipt.

Sales tax rates vary by state, county, and city in the United States. Some states have no sales tax at all, while others combine state, county, and municipal rates that can total over 10%. Knowing the total tax on a purchase helps you budget accurately, especially for large purchases like appliances, furniture, or vehicles.

The Sales Tax Formula

The formula is simple: Tax Amount = Subtotal x Tax Rate and Total = Subtotal + Tax Amount. For example, a $250 item with a 7% tax rate yields $250 x 0.07 = $17.50 in tax, for a total of $267.50. To find the pre-tax price from a total, divide the total by (1 + tax rate).

State Sales Tax Rates

State sales tax rates in the US range from 0% in states like Delaware and Oregon to 7.25% in California. Combined with local taxes, the total rate can exceed 10% in some areas. Always check the combined rate for your specific location, as it includes state, county, and city components.

Tax-Exempt Items

Many states exempt certain items from sales tax, including groceries, prescription medications, and clothing. Some states offer tax-free shopping weekends, typically before the school year starts, when certain purchases are temporarily exempt. Check your state's rules for specific exemptions that may apply to your purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you calculate sales tax?

Multiply the subtotal by the tax rate as a decimal. For an $100 item at 8.25%, the tax is $100 x 0.0825 = $8.25, totaling $108.25.

What US states have no sales tax?

Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon have no state sales tax. Alaska allows local municipalities to charge their own sales tax.

Does sales tax apply to online purchases?

Since the 2018 Wayfair ruling, most states require online retailers to collect sales tax if they have significant economic presence in the state.

What is the difference between sales tax and use tax?

Sales tax is collected by the seller. Use tax is owed by the buyer when sales tax was not collected, typically on out-of-state purchases.

How do I find my local sales tax rate?

Check your state's department of revenue website or look at a recent local receipt. Your total rate includes state, county, and city components.