How do I find my sales tax rate?

Search "[your city/county] sales tax rate" or check your state's department of revenue website. Remember that local rates may add to the state rate.

Is VAT the same as sales tax?

They are similar but different. Sales tax is added at the point of sale. VAT (Value Added Tax) is collected at each stage of production. Use our VAT Calculator for VAT-specific calculations.

Sales Tax Calculator

Calculate sales tax on any purchase amount. Find the tax amount, total price including tax, or the original price before tax. Enter any tax rate for your state, city, or country.

How Sales Tax Is Calculated

Sales tax is a percentage added to the purchase price at the point of sale. The rate varies by state, county, and city in the US, and by country internationally. This calculator works in both directions: add tax to a pre-tax price to find the total, or remove tax from a total to find the original price. Tax amount equals the price multiplied by the rate divided by 100. To find the pre-tax price from a tax-inclusive total, divide by one plus the rate divided by 100. Enter any tax rate for your location to get accurate results.

US State Sales Tax Rates

Five US states have no sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. States with the lowest rates include Colorado at 2.9%, and Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, New York, and Wyoming at 4%. States with the highest base rates include California at 7.25%, and Indiana, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Tennessee at 7%. Local and county taxes often add 1-4% on top of state rates, so the total rate at the register can be significantly higher than the state rate alone.

Sales Tax vs VAT

Sales tax and VAT both add cost to purchases but work differently. Sales tax is collected once at the final point of sale to the consumer. VAT is collected at each stage of production and distribution, with businesses reclaiming VAT paid on inputs. Most countries outside the US use VAT instead of sales tax. If you need VAT-specific calculations, use the dedicated VAT Calculator tool available on this site.

Tips for Getting Accurate Results

For the most accurate results, use up-to-date numbers from official sources. Double-check your inputs before calculating — small errors in the starting values can lead to significantly different outputs. If you are comparing scenarios, keep all variables the same except the one you are testing. Save or screenshot your results for future reference. This calculator uses standard formulas and is designed to give you a reliable quick estimate, though professional advice may be needed for complex situations.