Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax on purchases. Find your state rate and see the total cost including tax.
Calculate Sales Tax
$
Combined state + local rate
State Sales Tax Rates
State sales tax rates (base rates, not including local taxes):
| State | Rate | State | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 7.25% | Texas | 6.25% |
| New York | 4% | Florida | 6% |
| Illinois | 6.25% | Pennsylvania | 6% |
| Washington | 6.5% | Arizona | 5.6% |
| Colorado | 2.9% | Oregon | 0% |
No sales tax: Alaska*, Delaware, Montana,
New Hampshire, Oregon
*Alaska allows local sales taxes
How It Works
Formula
Sales Tax = Purchase Amount × Tax Rate Total = Purchase Amount + Sales Tax
Local Taxes
Many cities and counties add local sales taxes on top of the state rate. The combined rate can be significantly higher than the state base rate. For example, in some California cities, the combined rate exceeds 10%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sales tax deductible?
If you itemize, you can deduct either state income tax OR sales tax
(not both) as part of SALT, which is capped at $10,000. This benefits residents of states
without income tax.
What items are tax-exempt?
It varies by state. Common exemptions include groceries,
prescription drugs, and clothing (in some states). Check your state's rules.
What about online purchases?
Since 2018 (South Dakota v. Wayfair), states can require online
retailers to collect sales tax even without physical presence. Most major retailers now
collect tax for all states.
How do I find my exact local rate?
Check your state's department of revenue website or use their rate
lookup tool. Rates can vary by exact address due to different local taxing jurisdictions.
What is use tax?
Use tax applies when you buy something without paying sales tax
(e.g., from out of state) but use it in your state. You're supposed to self-report and pay
the tax.
Are there sales tax holidays?
Many states have annual sales tax holidays (often for
back-to-school) when certain items are tax-free. Check your state for dates and eligible
items.
Use Cases
- Calculating total purchase price including state and local sales tax
- Comparing combined sales tax rates across different states and cities
- Estimating annual sales tax paid for the SALT deduction on Schedule A
- Planning large purchases in lower-tax jurisdictions to save on sales tax
- Understanding which states have no sales tax for shopping decisions
Assumptions & Limitations
- Uses a single combined tax rate; actual rates vary by exact location (city, county, district)
- Does not account for item-specific exemptions (groceries, clothing, prescriptions vary by state)
- The SALT deduction for sales tax is capped at $10,000 combined with other state/local taxes
- Does not calculate use tax owed on out-of-state or online purchases
- Rates shown are base state rates; local taxes can add 1-5% or more in many jurisdictions
Sources & References
- IRS Schedule A Instructions — SALT deduction for state and local sales tax
- IRS Sales Tax Deduction Calculator — Estimate your allowable sales tax deduction
- IRS Schedule A (Form 1040) — Itemized Deductions instructions
- IRS Topic No. 503 — Deductible Taxes
- State department of revenue websites — For current state and local sales tax rates
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.