Vermont Sales Tax Calculator 2026 — 6% Rate
Calculate Vermont sales tax on any purchase instantly. The state sales tax rate is 6%, and the statewide average combined rate (state + local) is 6.43% (Tax Foundation, July 2026). Enter your purchase amount — and your exact local rate if you know it — to see state tax, local tax, and the total amount due, all calculated privately in your browser.
Vermont Sales Tax Rate: State vs Combined
The Vermont state sales tax rate is 6%. Some shoppers pay more than that: a municipality may vote to add a 1% local option sales tax, which makes 7% in the towns that have one (Vermont Department of Taxes). The statewide average combined rate is 6.43% — a population-weighted average published by the Tax Foundation for rates as of July 1, 2026 — and the highest local rate in that table adds 1% to the state rate. A $100 purchase costs $106.00 at the state rate alone and $106.43 at the statewide average.
What Is and Isn't Taxed in Vermont
Vermont exempts food, food products and beverages sold for consumption off the premises — groceries — from sales tax; soft drinks are taxable. Clothing and footwear are exempt from Vermont sales tax; clothing accessories and protective equipment are taxable. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are exempt from Vermont sales tax.
How to Calculate Vermont Sales Tax
To calculate Vermont sales tax, multiply the purchase price by the rate that applies where you buy. For the state rate only: price × 6% = tax. For a real receipt, enter your exact combined rate in the optional field above — it is printed on local receipts and published by the Vermont Department of Taxes; the 6.43% statewide average is only an estimate. Example: a $200 purchase at the 6.43% average = $12.86 in tax = $212.86 total.
Tips for Accurate Sales Tax Calculations
Always confirm the exact local rate for your specific city or county — the statewide average (6.43%, Tax Foundation, July 2026) is a population-weighted mean and may differ from your actual checkout rate. Large purchases like appliances or electronics are where the difference between the state-only and combined rates matters most. 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); Vermont Department of Taxes; Vermont Department of Taxes — What is Taxable and Exempt; Vermont Department of Taxes — Local Option Tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in Vermont?
The Vermont state sales tax rate is 6%. Municipalities that have adopted the 1% local option sales tax charge 7%. The statewide average combined rate is 6.43% (Tax Foundation, July 2026).
Does Vermont tax groceries?
No. Food, food products and beverages sold as groceries are exempt from Vermont sales tax, with the exception of soft drinks. Restaurant meals fall under the separate meals tax.
Is clothing taxed in Vermont?
No. Clothing, including footwear, is exempt from Vermont sales tax. Clothing accessories and protective equipment are not exempt.
What is the combined sales tax rate in Vermont?
The statewide average combined (state + local) sales tax rate in Vermont is 6.43%, according to the Tax Foundation's table of rates as of July 1, 2026. The state portion is 6%; the rest is the 1% local option sales tax that some municipalities have adopted.
How do I calculate sales tax in Vermont?
Multiply the purchase price by the rate. For state tax only: price × 0.0600. For the statewide average: price × 0.0643. Example: $50 × 0.0643 = $3.22 tax, total $53.22.