Sales Tax Calculator
Sales tax in the United States is set at the state level and then layered with county, city and special district taxes. The combined rate can be several points higher than the headline state number, so this tool lets you use either.
Purchase details
Enter the pre-tax price and we will calculate the tax.
State base rate only. County and city taxes are additional.
Use the combined state, county and city rate for a precise result.
The reverse calculation trips people up
Removing sales tax is not subtraction. Tax was charged on the pre-tax amount, so you divide the total by one plus the rate. On $268.13 at 7.25%, the pre-tax amount is $250.00, not $250.
Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. Alaska and Montana do allow local sales taxes. Everywhere else, county and city taxes are layered on top of the state rate, and combined rates in some cities exceed 10%.
Reference rates by state
State base rates only. Your local combined rate is usually higher.
Add tax or strip it out
Adding tax to a price means multiplying by one plus the rate. Removing tax is not simple division. You divide the total by one plus the rate, because the tax was calculated on the smaller pre-tax amount.
Getting this backwards is one of the most common bookkeeping errors. On a $106 total at 6 percent, the pre-tax amount is $100, not $100.03.
Why your receipt is higher than the state rate
Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. Everywhere else, local jurisdictions add on top. Combined rates in some cities exceed 10 percent.
For a precise figure, check your state department of revenue or your receipt. The state rates below are a starting point, not your actual local rate.
What is taxed varies too
Most states exempt groceries, prescription drugs and sometimes clothing. Some tax services that others do not. Louisiana and Tennessee have among the highest combined rates; Alaska and Oregon among the lowest.
Frequently asked questions
Which states have no sales tax?
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no statewide sales tax. Alaska and Montana allow local sales taxes, so some municipalities there do charge.
Do I pay sales tax on online purchases?
Yes, in most cases. Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair decision, states can require remote sellers to collect tax once they exceed economic nexus thresholds, typically $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions.
How do I calculate the pre-tax price from a total?
Divide the total by one plus the tax rate. For a $108 total at 8 percent, divide 108 by 1.08 to get $100.
Is sales tax deductible?
If you itemize, you can choose to deduct either state and local income tax or state and local sales tax, not both. It is usually worthwhile only if you made a large purchase and live in a no-income-tax state.
This calculator is an educational tool and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs and assumptions described above. Verify important figures with a qualified professional or the relevant government agency before acting on them.