Montana Sales Tax Calculator 2026
Montana has no state sales tax and no general local sales tax. A few designated resort communities charge a local resort tax on lodging, restaurant meals, bars and luxury goods. Enter your purchase amount — and a resort tax rate if one applies — to see the total, calculated privately in your browser.
Montana Has No State Sales Tax
Montana is one of five US states with no statewide sales tax (Tax Foundation, July 2026). Residents and visitors pay no state sales tax at the register — a meaningful saving on large purchases like electronics and furniture.
Local Taxes in Montana
Montana has no general sales tax at state or local level. The one local exception is the resort tax: designated resort communities and resort areas may charge a local sales tax on lodging and camping facilities, restaurants and other food service, bars, destination recreational facilities, and luxuries sold in the resort area. The maximum resort tax rate is 3% (7-6-1503, MCA) and it is administered locally, not by the Montana Department of Revenue. Statewide, lodging carries a combined 8% lodging facility sales and use tax.
Montana Sales Tax Holidays
Montana has no sales tax holidays, because there is no general sales tax to suspend.
What You Can Buy Tax-Free in Montana
In Montana, retail purchases are made without a general sales tax. This includes clothing, electronics, furniture and groceries. The exceptions are the local resort tax in designated resort communities, the 8% tax on lodging, and excise taxes on items like tobacco, fuel, or alcohol.
Tips for Accurate Sales Tax Calculations
There is no general local sales tax in Montana, so outside a resort community the register total should match the sticker price. In a designated resort community, expect the local resort tax — up to 3% — on restaurant meals, lodging, bar tabs and luxury goods. Keep receipts that show the tax rate used; this helps verify correct tax was charged and supports any refund claims for exempt purchases. If you are making a business purchase, check whether your state offers a sales tax exemption certificate to avoid paying tax on resale items.
Last updated: October 2026. Sources: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of July 1, 2026); Montana Department of Revenue — Local Resort Tax; Montana Department of Revenue — Lodging Facility Sales and Use Tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Montana have a sales tax?
No. Montana is one of five US states with no statewide sales tax, and it has no general local sales tax either. Designated resort communities may charge a local resort tax of up to 3% on lodging, restaurants, bars and luxuries.
What is the sales tax rate in Montana?
The Montana state sales tax rate is 0%. The only local sales tax is the resort tax in designated resort communities, with a maximum rate of 3% (7-6-1503, MCA).
Do I pay tax on groceries in Montana?
No. Montana has no general sales tax, so groceries are not taxed at the register.
Is clothing taxed in Montana?
No. Montana has no general sales tax, so clothing is not taxed. In a designated resort community, goods sold as luxuries may carry the local resort tax.
How do I calculate sales tax in Montana?
For most purchases in Montana there is no sales tax to calculate — the total is the sticker price. In a resort community, multiply the taxable amount by the local resort tax rate, for example $50 × 0.03 = $1.50.