Free sales tax calculator
Enter a price and your local sales tax rate — this sales tax calculator shows the tax amount and the final total in one step, updated live, as you type.
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Estimated only. Actual withholding depends on your W-4 elections, filing status, and local laws. Consult your payroll provider for exact figures.
Results are estimates. Consult a professional.
How the sales tax calculator works
US sales tax is a single-stage consumption tax charged only at the final point of sale to the end consumer — unlike VAT, it is not collected at each stage of production. The total rate you pay is the sum of the state base rate plus any applicable county, city, and special district rates. The calculation is straightforward: multiply the pre-tax price by the combined tax rate to get the tax amount, then add it to the price to get the total.
Worked example: $250 purchase in Tennessee
A shopper in Memphis, Tennessee buys a $250 electronics item. Tennessee has the highest average combined sales tax rate in the US. The state rate is 7%, Shelby County adds 2.25%, and the Memphis city rate adds 0.5%, for a combined rate of 9.75%.
State sales tax rates — highest and lowest
Five states have no state-level sales tax at all: Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Alaska (though some Alaskan localities do levy local sales taxes). At the other end, Tennessee and Louisiana consistently post the highest average combined rates when local taxes are included. The table below shows selected state base rates — local additions can push totals significantly higher.
| State | State Rate | Avg Combined Rate (incl. local) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 0.00% | 0.00% | No sales tax |
| Montana | 0.00% | 0.00% | No sales tax |
| New Hampshire | 0.00% | 0.00% | No sales tax |
| Delaware | 0.00% | 0.00% | No sales tax |
| Alaska | 0.00% | 1.76% | No state tax; local only |
| Colorado | 2.90% | 7.81% | Lowest state rate with tax |
| Alabama | 4.00% | 9.29% | High local additions |
| California | 7.25% | 8.85% | Highest state base rate |
| Louisiana | 4.45% | 9.56% | High local additions |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 9.55% | Highest avg combined rate |
Source: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, 2024. Average combined rates reflect population-weighted local additions and change annually.
Tips for understanding and managing sales tax
Sales tax adds up quickly on large purchases, and the rules around what is and isn't taxable vary significantly by state. Knowing the exemptions and nuances in your state can result in meaningful savings.
- Check for category exemptions — Most states exempt unprepared groceries, prescription drugs, and medical devices from sales tax. Some also exempt clothing (e.g., New York exempts clothing items under $110) and agricultural supplies.
- Shop during tax holidays — Many states (Texas, Florida, Missouri, and others) hold annual sales tax holidays covering back-to-school supplies, clothing, hurricane preparedness items, and energy-efficient appliances. Savings can be 6–10% on qualifying purchases.
- Understand use tax for online purchases — Since the Supreme Court's South Dakota v. Wayfair (2018) ruling, online retailers with economic nexus must collect sales tax. If they don't, you technically owe use tax to your state — usually the same rate as sales tax.
- For businesses: register before you collect — Businesses must register with a state's Department of Revenue before collecting sales tax. Collecting without a permit, or failing to remit collected tax, can trigger penalties and interest.
- Keep receipts for resale exemptions — Businesses purchasing goods for resale (not for their own use) are typically exempt from sales tax on those purchases. A valid resale certificate is required, and exemption certificates must be retained for audit purposes.
Accuracy and limitations
Sales tax rates change frequently as state legislatures and local governments adjust them throughout the year. This calculator uses rates that were accurate as of the 2024 Tax Foundation survey, but county and city rates in particular can differ from what is displayed. For any specific transaction — especially for business tax compliance — always verify the exact rate with your state's Department of Revenue or a tax professional.
This tool calculates a single transaction amount and does not handle filing, remittance schedules, product taxability rules, multi-jurisdiction sourcing rules for remote sellers, or origin-vs-destination-based sourcing (which varies by state). Businesses with significant sales across multiple states should use dedicated sales tax automation software (such as Avalara or TaxJar) or consult a CPA experienced in state and local tax (SALT).
Sales tax terms defined
About this sales tax calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser — nothing you enter is sent to any server. It calculates the sales tax amount and total price for a purchase given a combined tax rate, and provides reference data on state sales tax rates across the US for the 2024 tax year.
Browse more in our tax calculators, or explore the complete library on the free calculators page.