Calculate total purchase price including sales tax, determine pre-tax amounts from total cost, and look up combined state and local sales tax rates for any state. Perfect for budgeting, accounting, and financial planning.
Below is a list of combined state and average local sales tax rates by state. Local rates vary by city and county — these are average combined rates.
| State | State Rate | Avg. Local Rate | Combined Rate |
|---|
If you know the total amount paid (including tax) and the tax rate, use this to find the original pre-tax price and how much tax you paid.
Sales tax rates vary not just by state but also by city and county. A purchase in downtown San Francisco may have a different rate than one in rural Alabama. Always check the combined rate for your specific location before budgeting for large purchases.
Many states exempt essential items like groceries, prescription medications, and clothing from sales tax. Some states also have tax-free weekends for back-to-school shopping. Understanding exemptions can save you significant money throughout the year.
Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, online retailers must collect sales tax based on the buyer's location, not the seller's. This means your online purchases are now taxed at your local rate in most cases.
If you run a business, you may need to collect sales tax from customers and remit it to the state. Most states require quarterly or monthly filings. Use the reverse tax feature to verify that your total prices include the correct tax amount.
For large purchases like cars, furniture, or appliances, the sales tax can add thousands to the final price. Use this calculator before making major purchases to budget accurately. Consider shopping in lower-tax jurisdictions for significant savings.
Some mobile payment apps and online marketplaces handle sales tax automatically. However, always verify the tax amount before completing checkout. This calculator helps you double-check that you're being charged the correct rate.
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Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by state and local governments on the sale of goods and certain services. It is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price and is collected by the seller at the point of sale. The seller then remits the collected tax to the appropriate government agency. Unlike income tax, sales tax is paid by the consumer at the time of purchase, making it a transparent and straightforward tax.
Sales tax rates vary dramatically across the United States. Five states (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon) have no state-level sales tax. At the other end of the spectrum, states like California, Louisiana, and Tennessee have combined state and local rates that can exceed 10% in some areas. Local municipalities, counties, and special districts can add their own sales tax on top of the state rate, which is why the combined rate varies even within the same state.
Not all purchases are subject to sales tax. Common exemptions include groceries (many states exempt food for home consumption), prescription medications, medical devices, and some clothing items. Nonprofit organizations, government entities, and resellers may also be exempt with proper documentation. Many states hold annual tax-free holidays where certain items like school supplies, computers, and clothing are temporarily exempt from sales tax. Understanding these exemptions can lead to significant savings.
Our Sales Tax Calculator is a comprehensive tool designed to help consumers, business owners, and finance professionals quickly calculate sales tax amounts, total purchase prices, and pre-tax amounts. Whether you're budgeting for a major purchase, verifying a receipt, or managing business finances, this calculator provides accurate, instant results using current tax rate data.
Calculate total from pre-tax amount OR find pre-tax from total. Both forward and reverse calculations are available in separate tabs for clarity.
Built-in reference table with combined state and average local sales tax rates for all 50 states. Quickly look up rates without leaving the page.
Get immediate tax calculations with clear breakdowns. See the tax amount, pre-tax price, total cost, and effective rate all at once.
All calculations are performed in your browser. No financial information is stored, transmitted, or shared with any third parties.
Learn about how sales tax works, state-by-state variations, tax exemptions, and strategies to minimize your tax burden.
Complete access to all features with no registration, no hidden fees, and no usage limits. Use it as often as you need.
Important Disclaimer: This Sales Tax Calculator provides estimates based on standard sales tax formulas and average tax rate data. Actual sales tax rates vary by specific city, county, and special tax district. Tax laws and rates change frequently. This tool is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional tax or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified tax professional for specific financial decisions.