Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate the sales tax amount and total price with tax. Enter the price before tax and your local sales tax rate.
What is sales tax and who pays it?
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by state and local governments on retail purchases. Consumers pay it at point of sale, but businesses collect and remit it. Rates vary: 0% (Oregon, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Alaska) to 10%+ in some cities. Combined state + local rates can reach 10-12%.
What states have the highest sales tax?
Highest combined state + local rates (2024): California (up to 10.75%), Tennessee (9.55%), Louisiana (9.52%), Arkansas (9.47%), Alabama (9.24%). Lowest: Alaska (1.76%, local only), Hawaii (4.44%), Wyoming (5.33%), Wisconsin (5.43%), Maine (5.50%).
What items are typically exempt from sales tax?
Common exemptions vary by state: Groceries (unprepared food), prescription medications, medical devices, clothing (in some states), education services, newspapers/magazines. Most states tax restaurant meals, prepared foods, and non-essential items. Check your state's specific exemptions.
How do I calculate the original price before tax?
To reverse calculate: Original Price = Total / (1 + Tax Rate as decimal). Example: $107.50 total with 7.5% tax = $107.50 / 1.075 = $100 original price. Sales tax = $7.50.