State Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate total costs including state, county, and local sales taxes
Tax Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on available tax rate data. Tax rates may vary by jurisdiction and can change frequently. For official tax calculations, please consult with a tax professional or your state revenue department.
Tip: For states without predefined rates, you can manually enter the tax rates below.
Sales Tax Calculation
Understanding Sales Tax in the U.S.
States Without Sales Tax
Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. However, Alaska allows local sales taxes.
Highest Tax States
California has the highest state sales tax rate at 7.25%. When combined with local taxes, some areas exceed 10%.
Understanding Sales Tax: What You Need to Know
State Variations
Sales tax rates vary significantly by state, ranging from 0% in states like Delaware and Oregon to over 7% in California and Indiana. Some states allow local jurisdictions to add additional taxes, creating complex rate structures.
Tax-Exempt Items
Most states exempt certain items like groceries, prescription drugs, and clothing from sales tax. Some states have periodic tax holidays for specific categories like school supplies or energy-efficient appliances.
State-by-State Sales Tax Overview
| State | State Rate | Avg. Local Rate | Combined Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 7.25% | 1.57% | 8.82% | Highest combined rate in the nation |
| Texas | 6.25% | 1.94% | 8.19% | No state income tax |
| New York | 4.00% | 4.52% | 8.52% | NYC has additional taxes |
| Florida | 6.00% | 1.05% | 7.05% | No state income tax |
| Alaska | 0.00% | 1.76% | 1.76% | Local taxes only |
Note: Rates are current as of 2023 and may have changed. Local rates vary by jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states have no sales tax?
Five states currently have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. However, Alaska allows local jurisdictions to impose sales taxes, and some of these states may have other special taxes.
How is sales tax calculated for online purchases?
Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, online retailers are generally required to collect sales tax if they meet certain economic thresholds in a state. The tax is typically based on the buyer's shipping address.
Are services subject to sales tax?
This varies by state. Most states tax some services (like hotel stays or car repairs), while a few tax a broad range of services. Hawaii and New Mexico have the broadest service taxation, while most states tax only specific services.
What's the difference between origin-based and destination-based sales tax?
Origin-based states tax sales based on the seller's location, while destination-based states tax based on the buyer's location. Most states are destination-based, which is particularly important for e-commerce businesses.
How often do sales tax rates change?
State rates change relatively infrequently, but local rates can change several times a year. It's estimated that there are over 10,000 sales tax jurisdictions in the U.S., with rates changing daily across the country.