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Tennessee Sales Tax Calculator

Free Tennessee sales tax calculator for 2026. Calculate sales tax at 7.00% state + 2.56% average local = 9.56% combined rate. Includes reverse calculator and tax-exempt items. No sign-up required.

How Tennessee Sales Tax Works

Tennessee charges a 7.00% state sales tax rate. On top of that, local jurisdictions (counties, cities, special districts) add their own taxes, bringing the average combined rate to 9.56%. That means on a $1,000 purchase, you'd pay approximately $95.60 in sales tax for a total of $1095.60.
The Tennessee state rate of 7.00% applies uniformly across the state, but local surtaxes vary significantly by location. The average local rate across TN is 2.56%, but some cities and counties charge more or less than this average. This calculator uses the average local rate, but you can override it with your specific city rate for a more accurate calculation.
Good news: Tennessee exempts groceries, prescription drugs from state sales tax. However, clothing are still subject to sales tax in Tennessee. These exemptions can make a real difference in your annual spending, especially on groceries which are a recurring expense for every household.
Need to work backwards? If you have a total receipt and need to find the original price before tax, use the reverse sales tax formula: divide the total by (1 + tax rate). For example, a $1095.60 total with 9.56% tax means the original price was $1,000 ($1095.60 ÷ 1.956). This is useful for expense reports and bookkeeping.
Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, online retailers must collect Tennessee sales tax on purchases shipped to TN residents. Most online purchases now include Tennessee sales tax based on the buyer's location, including any applicable local taxes.

Tennessee Sales Tax Key Rates (2026)

Tennessee State Rate

7.00%

Tennessee Avg Local Rate

2.56%

Tennessee Combined Rate

9.56%

Tax on $1,000

$95.60

Total on $1,000

$1095.60

Tennessee Sales Tax FAQ

What is the sales tax rate in Tennessee?

The state sales tax rate in Tennessee is 7.00%. With average local taxes, the combined rate is approximately 9.56%. Actual rates may vary by city and county within Tennessee.

Why does the sales tax rate vary within Tennessee?

Tennessee allows local jurisdictions (counties, cities, and special districts) to add their own sales taxes on top of the 7.00% state rate. These local rates vary by location, which is why you might pay a different total rate in different cities within Tennessee.

What items are exempt from sales tax in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, groceries, prescription drugs are exempt from state sales tax. However, clothing are still subject to sales tax. Exemptions may vary at the local level.

How do I calculate sales tax in Tennessee?

Multiply the purchase price by the combined tax rate. For example, on a $100 purchase at the 9.56% combined rate in Tennessee: $100 × 0.956 = $9.56 in tax. Total price: $109.56.

Does Tennessee charge sales tax on online purchases?

Yes. Following the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, online retailers must collect Tennessee sales tax on purchases shipped to Tennessee residents. The rate is based on the buyer's location within Tennessee.

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