Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax for any US state and see the total price after tax.
Avg local for CA: 1.6%
Total with Tax
$107
Tax: $7 at 7.2%
State Rate
7.2%
Local Rate
1.6%
Tax Amount
$7
| Component | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | — | $100 |
| State Tax (CA) | 7.2% | $7 |
| Local Tax | 0.0% | $0 |
| Total Tax | 7.2% | $7 |
| Total Cost | — | $107 |
How This Is Calculated
This calculator applies the combined state and average local sales tax rate to your purchase amount. The total price equals the base price plus the calculated tax.
Formula: Sales Tax = Price × Combined Tax Rate. Total Price = Price + Sales Tax = Price × (1 + Combined Tax Rate).
Rate sources: State base rates come from each state's department of revenue. Average local rates are from the Tax Foundation, which calculates a population-weighted average of all local jurisdictions in each state.
Important notes: Four states have no state sales tax (Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon). Alaska has no state sales tax but allows local taxes. Some states exempt groceries, prescription drugs, or clothing from sales tax. This calculator uses the general rate and does not account for item-specific exemptions.
State rates: Tax Foundation (2024). Average local rates are population-weighted. Does not account for item-specific exemptions (groceries, clothing, prescriptions).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states have no sales tax?
Four states have no state sales tax: Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. Alaska has no state sales tax but allows local jurisdictions to levy their own sales tax, which averages about 1.8%.
How does online sales tax work?
Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, states can require online sellers to collect sales tax even without a physical presence. Most states now have "economic nexus" laws that require collection when sales exceed a threshold.
What is the difference between sales tax and use tax?
Sales tax is collected by the seller at the time of purchase. Use tax is the equivalent amount owed by the buyer when sales tax was not collected — typically on out-of-state purchases.
Why do sales tax rates vary within the same state?
Many states allow cities, counties, and special districts to impose additional local sales taxes on top of the state rate. For example, California\'s state rate is 7.25%, but combined rates range from 7.25% to 10.75% depending on the locality.
Related Calculators
⚠️ Estimates based on state and average local rates. Actual rates vary by city and county. Does not account for item-specific exemptions.