Sales Tax Calculator
Estimate the total price after sales tax for any US state.
How is sales tax calculated?
Sales tax is calculated by multiplying your purchase amount by the applicable tax rate, which in most states is a combination of a statewide rate plus any additional local county or city rate stacked on top. This calculator uses an estimated combined state-plus-average-local rate for each state, so it reflects a realistic typical rate rather than a single city's exact figure — actual rates can vary somewhat by the specific city or county where a purchase happens.
Why do some states have no sales tax at all?
Five states — Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Alaska (at the state level) — charge no statewide sales tax, relying instead on other revenue sources like income tax, property tax, or, in Alaska's and Montana's case, natural resource revenue. Alaska does allow local municipalities to levy their own local sales taxes even though there's no state-level rate, which is reflected in this calculator's estimated rate for Alaska.
Why does my actual receipt sometimes differ from this estimate?
This calculator uses an approximate combined rate meant to represent a typical purchase in that state, but real sales tax varies by the specific city and county, and some categories of goods (like groceries, clothing, or prescription medication) are taxed differently or exempted entirely in many states. Treat the result here as a solid planning estimate for budgeting a purchase, not an exact quote — always check your local rate for large purchases like vehicles or major appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states have no sales tax?
Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon charge no statewide sales tax. Alaska has no state-level sales tax either, but permits local municipalities to charge their own local sales taxes, which is why it shows a small estimated rate above rather than zero.
Why do sales tax rates vary within the same state?
Most states allow counties and cities to add their own local sales tax on top of the statewide rate, so the total rate you pay can differ significantly between two cities in the same state. This calculator uses an estimated average combined rate per state to give a realistic typical figure.
Is this calculator's sales tax rate exact?
No — it's an estimate based on typical combined state and local rates. For an exact figure, especially on a large purchase, check the specific rate for your city or county, since local add-on taxes can shift the total by a percentage point or more.
Are groceries and clothing taxed the same as other purchases?
Not always — many states exempt or reduce the tax rate on groceries, prescription medication, and sometimes clothing, while taxing general merchandise at the full rate. This calculator applies a general estimated rate and doesn't account for category-specific exemptions.
Do I pay sales tax on online purchases?
In most cases, yes — since a 2018 Supreme Court ruling, most online retailers are required to collect sales tax based on the buyer's location, similar to an in-store purchase in that same state.
How is sales tax different from income tax?
Sales tax is charged at the point of purchase on goods and some services, while income tax is charged on money you earn. States with no income tax, like Texas and Washington, often rely more heavily on sales tax revenue instead, which is why their sales tax rates tend to run higher.
Does sales tax apply to car purchases the same way?
Many states apply standard sales tax to vehicle purchases, though some have separate vehicle excise taxes or different rate structures, and trade-in value may reduce the taxable amount in certain states. Check your state's specific vehicle tax rules before budgeting for a car purchase.
Can I get a refund on sales tax?
Generally sales tax isn't refundable for typical retail purchases, though some states offer tax-free shopping periods or holidays for specific categories like school supplies or emergency preparedness items during limited windows each year.