USA Sales Tax Calculator
Instantly calculate state and local sales tax. Add or remove tax from any price with accurate rates for all 50 states.
Understanding Sales Tax in the United States
Unlike Value Added Tax (VAT) used in most of the world, the United States utilizes a sales tax system. This consumption tax is levied at the point of sale on goods and services. The responsibility of collecting and remitting the tax generally falls on the seller.
One of the most complex aspects for businesses and consumers is the variation in rates. There is no single national sales tax rate; instead, rates are determined at the state, county, and city levels. This means the total tax you pay can vary significantly depending on your exact location.
State vs. Local Sales Tax
When you see a "sales tax rate," it is typically a combination of multiple taxes:
- State Tax: The base rate set by the state government (e.g., California is 7.25%).
- Local Tax: Additional percentages added by counties, cities, or special districts (transit taxes, stadium taxes).
For example, a state might have a 5% rate, but a specific city within that state might add 2%, resulting in a total combined rate of 7%. Our calculator allows you to add a local rate to the state base to get the precise total.
How to Calculate Sales Tax
Adding Tax
To calculate the total price including tax:
Multiply the price by the tax rate (as a decimal), then add it to the original price.
$100 × 0.07 = $7 Tax
$100 + $7 = $107 Total
Removing Tax
To find the original price from a total:
Divide the total price by (1 + tax rate).
$107 ÷ 1.07 = $100 Original
Combined Rates
Handling State + Local tax:
Add the local percentage to the state percentage first.
State 5% + Local 2% = 7% Total
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