Free Sales Tax Calculator -- All 50 States & Reverse Tax
Calculate sales tax for any US state instantly. Includes forward calculator, reverse sales tax calculator, car/vehicle sales tax calculator, and tax-exempt category support. Free, no sign-up required.
Forward Calculator
Enter a purchase price and select a state to get the exact sales tax amount, total price, and full state + local rate breakdown.
Reverse Calculator
Have a total receipt and need the original price before tax? Enter the total paid and state to find the pre-tax amount and tax you paid.
Car Sales Tax
Calculate sales tax on a vehicle purchase with optional trade-in credit. See the taxable amount and total cost with tax for any state.
Average local rate for California. Click "Custom" to override with your city rate.
Rate Preview for California
State
7.25%
Local
1.57%
Combined
8.82%
Reverse Sales Tax Formula: Original Price = Total Paid / (1 + Tax Rate)
Example: If you paid $1,088.20 in California (8.82% combined rate), the original price was $1,088.20 / 1.0882 = $1,000.00, and the tax was $88.20.
Car Sales Tax Varies by State: Most states allow a trade-in credit that reduces the taxable amount. However, California, and a few other states, charge sales tax on the full vehicle price regardless of trade-in value.
Some states also charge additional vehicle registration fees, title fees, and documentation fees that are not included in this sales tax calculation.
50-State Sales Tax Rate Table (2026)
Combined rates include state plus average local taxes. Actual local rates vary by city and county. Click any state for a detailed calculator with local rate override.
| State | State Rate | Avg Local Rate | Combined Rate | Grocery Exempt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4% | 5.24% | 9.24% | Y |
| Alaska | 0% | 1.82% | 0% | Y |
| Arizona | 5.60% | 2.80% | 8.40% | Y |
| Arkansas | 6.50% | 2.97% | 9.47% | Y |
| California | 7.25% | 1.57% | 8.82% | Y |
| Colorado | 2.90% | 4.88% | 7.78% | Y |
| Connecticut | 6.35% | -- | 6.35% | Y |
| Delaware | 0% | -- | 0% | Y |
| Florida | 6% | 1.02% | 7.02% | Y |
| Georgia | 4% | 3.40% | 7.40% | Y |
| Hawaii | 4% | 0.44% | 4.44% | Y |
| Idaho | 6% | 0.03% | 6.03% | Y |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 2.61% | 8.86% | Y |
| Indiana | 7.00% | -- | 7.00% | Y |
| Iowa | 6% | 0.94% | 6.94% | Y |
| Kansas | 6.50% | 2.20% | 8.70% | Y |
| Kentucky | 6% | -- | 6.00% | Y |
| Louisiana | 5% | 4.56% | 9.56% | Y |
| Maine | 5.50% | -- | 5.50% | Y |
| Maryland | 6% | -- | 6.00% | Y |
| Massachusetts | 6.25% | -- | 6.25% | Y |
| Michigan | 6% | -- | 6.00% | Y |
| Minnesota | 6.88% | 0.61% | 7.49% | Y |
| Mississippi | 7.00% | 0.07% | 7.07% | Y |
| Missouri | 4.23% | 4.06% | 8.29% | Y |
| Montana | 0% | -- | 0% | Y |
| Nebraska | 5.50% | 1.45% | 6.95% | Y |
| Nevada | 6.85% | 1.38% | 8.23% | Y |
| New Hampshire | 0% | -- | 0% | Y |
| New Jersey | 6.63% | -- | 6.60% | Y |
| New Mexico | 5.13% | 2.71% | 7.84% | Y |
| New York | 4% | 4.52% | 8.52% | Y |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 2.23% | 6.98% | Y |
| North Dakota | 5% | 1.85% | 6.85% | Y |
| Ohio | 5.75% | 1.48% | 7.23% | Y |
| Oklahoma | 4.50% | 4.37% | 8.87% | Y |
| Oregon | 0% | -- | 0% | Y |
| Pennsylvania | 6% | 0.34% | 6.34% | Y |
| Rhode Island | 7.00% | -- | 7.00% | Y |
| South Carolina | 6% | 1.44% | 7.44% | Y |
| South Dakota | 4.50% | 1.90% | 6.40% | Y |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 2.56% | 9.56% | Y |
| Texas | 6.25% | 1.95% | 8.20% | Y |
| Utah | 6.10% | 1.09% | 7.19% | Y |
| Vermont | 6% | 0.36% | 6.36% | Y |
| Virginia | 4.30% | 1.45% | 5.75% | Y |
| Washington | 6.50% | 2.91% | 9.41% | Y |
| West Virginia | 6% | 0.55% | 6.55% | Y |
| Wisconsin | 5% | 0.46% | 5.46% | Y |
| Wyoming | 4% | 1.36% | 5.36% | Y |
Rates are based on 2026 state tax data. Local rates are averages and may differ by city/county. Always verify with your state department of revenue.
How to Calculate Sales Tax
Identify the purchase price
Determine the pre-tax price of the item or service you are purchasing. This is the sticker price before any sales tax is added. For example, if a television is listed at $999, the purchase price is $999.
Find your combined sales tax rate
Look up your state sales tax rate and any local (city, county, special district) taxes that apply. The combined rate is the sum of state + local rates. For example, California has a 7.25% state rate plus an average 1.57% local rate, giving a combined rate of 8.82%. Use the rate table above for all 50 states.
Check for tax-exempt categories
Verify whether your purchase falls under a tax-exempt category in your state. Most states exempt groceries and prescription drugs from sales tax. A few states (Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont) also exempt clothing. If the item is exempt, the sales tax is $0.
Multiply price by the combined tax rate
Sales Tax = Purchase Price x Combined Tax Rate. For example, a $100 purchase at 8.25% combined rate = $100 x 0.0825 = $8.25 in sales tax. The state portion and local portion can be calculated separately: $100 x 0.06 = $6.00 state tax, $100 x 0.0225 = $2.25 local tax.
Add the tax to get the total price
Total Price = Purchase Price + Sales Tax. Using the example: $100 + $8.25 = $108.25. Alternatively, you can calculate the total in one step: Total = Purchase Price x (1 + Tax Rate). $100 x 1.0825 = $108.25.
Quick Example: $1,000 Purchase in California
Purchase Price: $1,000.00
California State Rate: 7.25%
Average Local Rate: 1.57%
Combined Rate: 8.82%
State Tax: $72.50 | Local Tax: $15.70 | Total Tax: $88.20
Total Price: $1,088.20
Figuring Sales Tax — The Complete Guide
Figuring sales tax is one of the most common calculations in everyday life. Whether you are at a retail store, buying a car, or shopping online, knowing how to figure sales tax helps you understand the true cost of your purchase. Our sales tax estimator above handles the math for you — but if you want to figure it out yourself, here is everything you need to know.
Sales Tax Formula
The sales tax formula is straightforward: Sales Tax = Purchase Price × Tax Rate. To get the total price including tax: Total = Purchase Price × (1 + Tax Rate). For example, figuring sales tax on a $50 purchase at 7%: $50 × 0.07 = $3.50 in tax, for a total of $53.50.
How to Figure Sales Tax on Any Purchase
Retail Purchases
In-store purchases automatically add sales tax at the register. The receipt shows the tax amount separately. Use our retail tax calculator above to estimate tax before you shop.
Online Shopping
Since the 2018 Wayfair ruling, online retailers collect sales tax in most states. The tax rate is based on the delivery address, not the seller's location. Use our sales tax estimator to check your rate.
Restaurant & Food
Restaurant meals are taxable in all states that have sales tax. Some states charge an additional restaurant tax or prepared food tax on top of the general sales tax. Groceries may be exempt or taxed at a lower rate.
Vehicles & Big Ticket
Car sales tax is usually paid at the DMV. Trade-in credits may reduce the taxable amount in most states (except CA). Use our car sales tax calculator above for exact numbers.
Sales Tax by Purchase Type
Different types of purchases may have different tax rates or exemptions within the same state. Here is a quick reference:
| Purchase Type | Typical Tax Treatment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General merchandise | Full state + local rate | Standard sales tax applies |
| Groceries / food | Exempt or reduced in most states | IL charges 1%; MS charges full rate |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt in all states with sales tax | OTC drugs vary by state |
| Clothing | Exempt in MN, NJ, PA, VT | NY exempts items under $110 |
| Restaurant meals | Full rate + possible meal tax | Some cities add 1-2% restaurant tax |
| Vehicles | Full rate, trade-in may reduce | Paid at DMV, not dealership |
For the most accurate results, use our free sales tax estimator above. Select your state, enter the purchase price, and get instant calculations including state tax, local tax, and total price. It works as a retail tax calculator, food tax calculator, and general sales tax rate finder — all in one tool.
Reverse Sales Tax Calculator -- How It Works
A reverse sales tax calculator (also called a backwards sales tax calculator) finds the original price before tax when you only know the total amount paid. This is useful for expense reports, bookkeeping, and budgeting when you have a receipt showing only the total.
Reverse Sales Tax Formula
Original Price = Total Paid / (1 + Tax Rate)
Example: You paid $1,088.20 total in California (8.82% combined rate).
Original Price = $1,088.20 / 1.0882 = $1,000.00
Sales Tax = $1,088.20 - $1,000.00 = $88.20
The reverse sales tax formula works because the total price is the original price multiplied by (1 + tax rate). By dividing the total by this factor, you reverse the calculation to find the pre-tax amount. This method is mathematically exact and works for any tax rate.
Use the reverse calculator above to instantly find original prices and tax amounts for any total and any state. Simply enter the total amount you paid and select your state.
Car & Vehicle Sales Tax Calculator
Buying a car is one of the largest purchases most people make, and sales tax on a vehicle can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to the total cost. Our car sales tax calculator above estimates the sales tax on any vehicle purchase for all 50 states.
How Vehicle Sales Tax Works
In most states, the sales tax on a vehicle purchase is calculated the same way as general sales tax: the vehicle price multiplied by the combined state and local sales tax rate. However, there are important differences to know:
- Trade-in credits: Most states (TX, FL, NY, IL, etc.) allow you to deduct the trade-in value from the purchase price before calculating sales tax. This can save you significant money -- on a $10,000 trade-in at 8% tax, that is $800 in tax savings.
- No trade-in credit states: California and a few other states do not allow trade-in deductions for sales tax purposes. You pay tax on the full vehicle price regardless of trade-in value.
- Registration and title fees: These are separate from sales tax and vary by state. They are typically not tax-deductible.
- Private party purchases: Some states charge use tax instead of sales tax on private-party vehicle sales, often at the same rate.
Car Sales Tax Example
Buying a $35,000 car in Texas with a $10,000 trade-in:
Taxable amount: $35,000 - $10,000 = $25,000
Texas combined rate: 8.20%
Sales tax: $25,000 x 0.0820 = $2,050.00
Total cost: $35,000 + $2,050.00 = $37,050.00
IRS Sales Tax Deduction
If you itemize deductions on your federal tax return (Schedule A), you can choose to deduct state and local sales tax instead of state and local income tax. This is known as the IRS sales tax deduction, and it can save you thousands of dollars -- especially if you live in a state with no income tax.
Who Should Use the Sales Tax Deduction?
The sales tax deduction is most beneficial for residents of states with no income tax. These include Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, Tennessee, and New Hampshire. Since these states do not charge income tax, deducting sales tax is almost always the better choice.
How to Calculate the IRS Sales Tax Deduction
You have two options for calculating your sales tax deduction:
- IRS Sales Tax Tables: The IRS provides optional state sales tax tables in the Schedule A instructions. These give you a standard deduction amount based on your income and state. You can add actual sales tax paid on major purchases (cars, boats, home improvements) on top of the table amount.
- Actual Receipts: Keep all receipts throughout the year and total the actual sales tax you paid. This method is more work but may result in a larger deduction if you made significant taxable purchases.
Important: The SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction cap is $10,000 ($5,000 if married filing separately). This means the total of your state income tax or sales tax, plus property tax, cannot exceed $10,000. Plan your deductions accordingly.
Online Sales Tax & E-Commerce
Since the landmark 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., states can require online retailers to collect sales tax even if the retailer has no physical presence in the state. This decision overturned the previous physical presence requirement and fundamentally changed e-commerce taxation.
Marketplace Facilitator Laws
Most states have enacted marketplace facilitator laws that require platforms like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Walmart Marketplace to collect and remit sales tax on behalf of third-party sellers. This means that if you buy from a third-party seller on Amazon, Amazon is responsible for collecting the correct sales tax based on your location.
Economic Nexus Thresholds
States establish economic nexus thresholds that determine when an out-of-state seller must begin collecting sales tax. Common thresholds include $100,000 in annual sales or 200 transactions in the state. Once a seller exceeds these thresholds, they must register with the state and collect sales tax on future sales.
For consumers, the practical effect is that most online purchases now include sales tax. If you are shopping online and sales tax was not collected, you may owe use tax to your state. Use our sales tax calculator above to estimate how much tax you should have paid on tax-free online purchases.
Lowest & Highest Sales Tax States
5Lowest Combined Sales Tax Rates
Excludes states with 0% sales tax (DE, MT, NH, OR).
5Highest Combined Sales Tax Rates
States with No Sales Tax
Sales Tax Calculator FAQ
How do I calculate sales tax?
Multiply the purchase price by the combined sales tax rate (state + local). For example, a $100 purchase at 8.25% combined rate: $100 x 0.0825 = $8.25 in sales tax. The total you pay is $108.25. Use the calculator above to get exact numbers for any state and price.
How do I calculate sales tax backwards (reverse sales tax)?
Divide the total amount paid by (1 + tax rate). For example, if you paid $108.25 total and the combined tax rate is 8.25%: $108.25 / 1.0825 = $100.00 original price. The sales tax was $8.25. Use our reverse sales tax calculator above for instant results.
Which states have no sales tax?
Five states have no state sales tax: Delaware (0%), Montana (0%), New Hampshire (0%), Oregon (0%), and Alaska (0% state rate, but local municipalities can charge up to 7.5%). These no-sales-tax states are popular for large purchases, but your home state may require you to pay use tax on items brought back from tax-free states.
Do I pay sales tax on a car purchase?
Yes, most states charge sales tax on vehicle purchases. The rate is typically the same as the general sales tax rate for your location. Some states allow trade-in credits that reduce the taxable amount, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars. Car sales tax is usually paid at the DMV when you register the vehicle, not at the dealership. Use our car sales tax calculator above to estimate your vehicle tax.
Can I deduct sales tax on my IRS tax return?
Yes. On Schedule A (Itemized Deductions), you can choose to deduct state and local sales tax instead of state and local income tax -- but you cannot deduct both. This deduction is most beneficial for residents of states with no income tax (Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, Tennessee, New Hampshire). The IRS provides optional sales tax tables, or you can calculate your actual sales tax paid using receipts.
What is the average sales tax rate in the US?
The average combined state and local sales tax rate across the US is approximately 6.5% to 7.5%. State-level rates range from 0% (in Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon) to 7.25% (California). When local taxes are added, combined rates can exceed 10% in some cities. Louisiana, Tennessee, and Arkansas have the highest average combined rates.
Are groceries subject to sales tax?
Most states exempt groceries from state sales tax, though local taxes may still apply. A few states, like Mississippi, charge the full sales tax rate on groceries. Some states, like Illinois, charge a reduced rate (1%) on groceries. Check the tax-exempt categories in the calculator above for your specific state.
Do I pay sales tax on online purchases?
Yes. Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, online retailers must collect sales tax on purchases shipped to states that impose sales tax, regardless of physical presence. Marketplace facilitators like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy are required to collect and remit sales tax on behalf of third-party sellers in most states.
What is a sales tax exemption?
A sales tax exemption means certain items or services are not subject to sales tax. Common exemptions include groceries, prescription drugs, clothing (in some states like Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania), manufacturing equipment, and items purchased for resale. Non-profit organizations may also qualify for sales tax exemptions with proper documentation.
How is sales tax calculated on a car with a trade-in?
In most states, the trade-in value reduces the taxable amount. For example, buying a $35,000 car with a $10,000 trade-in at 6% sales tax means you pay tax on $25,000 ($1,500) instead of $35,000 ($2,100) -- saving $600. However, some states like California charge sales tax on the full vehicle price regardless of trade-in. Use our car sales tax calculator above for your state.
What is the IRS sales tax deduction and who should use it?
The IRS sales tax deduction allows you to deduct state and local sales tax on Schedule A instead of state and local income tax. This is especially valuable if you live in a state with no income tax (TX, FL, WA, NV, WY, SD, AK, TN, NH). You can use the IRS Sales Tax Deduction Calculator or actual receipts. The deduction is subject to the $10,000 SALT cap ($5,000 for married filing separately).
Which state has the highest sales tax?
Louisiana has the highest average combined sales tax rate at approximately 9.56%, followed closely by Tennessee (9.56%) and Arkansas (9.47%). However, within any state, specific cities can have even higher rates due to local add-ons. For example, some cities in Alabama and Louisiana have combined rates exceeding 11%.
How do I figure out sales tax from a total amount?
To figure out sales tax from a total, divide the total by (1 + tax rate) to get the original price, then subtract the original from the total. For example, if you paid $107.00 total at 7% tax: $107.00 ÷ 1.07 = $100.00 original price. Sales tax = $107.00 - $100.00 = $7.00. Use our reverse sales tax calculator above for instant results.
What is the sales tax formula?
The sales tax formula is: Sales Tax = Purchase Price × Tax Rate. To calculate the total with tax: Total = Purchase Price × (1 + Tax Rate). For reverse calculation: Original Price = Total Paid ÷ (1 + Tax Rate). These formulas work for any state and any tax rate — just convert the percentage to a decimal (7% = 0.07).
How do I calculate sales tax on a restaurant bill?
Restaurant meals are subject to the full combined sales tax rate (state + local) in all states that impose sales tax. Some cities add an additional restaurant or prepared food tax of 1-2% on top. To calculate: multiply the bill amount by your combined rate. For a $50 bill at 8.5% combined rate: $50 × 0.085 = $4.25 in tax. Tip is calculated on the pre-tax amount and is not subject to sales tax.
Can I find my sales tax rate by zip code?
Yes. Sales tax rates vary by location within each state because local (city, county, district) taxes are added on top of the state rate. Two addresses in the same state can have different combined rates. Our calculator above uses the average combined rate for each state. For the most precise rate by zip code, check your state department of revenue website or use the state and local rate override feature in our calculator.
Sales Tax by State
Select a state for a detailed sales tax calculator with local rate override, reverse calculator, and tax-exempt information.
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Next Steps
Find Your State Rate
Use the state table above or select your state in the calculator to get the exact combined sales tax rate for your area. Remember that local rates vary by city and county within each state.
Maximize Your Deductions
If you live in a no-income-tax state, make sure you are deducting sales tax on Schedule A instead of income tax. Use the IRS Sales Tax Deduction Calculator or keep receipts for major purchases.
Plan Major Purchases
For big-ticket items like cars and appliances, even small rate differences matter. On a $50,000 vehicle, the difference between 6% and 9% sales tax is $1,500. Consider timing and location for significant savings.
Lead Tax Analyst & Editorial Director, TheTaxCalc
Rachel Mitchell is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Illinois with over 12 years of experience in individual and small-business taxation. She specializes in federal and state income tax compliance, FICA optimization, payroll tax strategy, and multi-state tax planning. Rachel holds an MS in Taxation from Golden Gate University and a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society. Before joining TheTaxCalc, Rachel spent 8 years at a Big Four accounting firm advising high-net-worth clients on tax-efficient wealth strategies.