Sales tax calculator
United States · 2026 rates
Also for Canada
Also for United KingdomWork out the sales tax on a purchase in any state, or take the tax back out of a receipt total. Uses each state's rate plus its average local rate, which you can change to your exact local rate.
How sales tax works in the US
There is no federal sales tax. Each state sets its own rate, and in most states cities, counties and special districts add their own local rates on top. The rate you pay depends on exactly where the sale happens, so two shops a few miles apart can charge different amounts.
Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. Alaska still allows local sales taxes, averaging 1.82%.
States with the highest combined sales tax
| State | State rate | Average local rate | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 5.00% | 5.13% | 10.13% |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 2.61% | 9.61% |
| Washington | 6.50% | 3.07% | 9.57% |
| Arkansas | 6.50% | 2.98% | 9.48% |
| Alabama | 4.00% | 5.46% | 9.46% |
How to calculate sales tax
To add tax, multiply the price by 1 plus the rate. For $100 at 8.25%: $100 × 1.0825 = $108.25.
To remove tax from a total, divide by 1 plus the rate. For $108.25 at 8.25%: $108.25 ÷ 1.0825 = $100.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax in California?
California's statewide rate is 7.25%, the highest in the country. With local taxes the average combined rate is 9.03%, and some cities charge more than 10%.
Is food taxed?
Most states exempt groceries or tax them at a lower rate, but some, such as Mississippi, still tax them at the full state rate. Prepared food and restaurant meals are usually taxed. This calculator uses the general rate.
Average local rates are population-weighted averages. For an exact rate, check your city or county. Source: Tax Foundation, state and local sales tax rates, July 2026.
Last checked and updated: October 2026 (rates as of July 1, 2026)