Sales Tax Calculator

How US sales tax works

Unlike VAT, US sales tax is added at the register and is not included in the price on the shelf. Each state sets a base rate, and counties and cities can add their own local rates, so the total rate depends on where you buy. A few states have no statewide sales tax, and many exempt or reduce tax on groceries and medicine.

Finding your rate

Use your combined rate: the state rate plus any county, city and special district rates. Your receipt usually shows the total rate, and your state's department of revenue publishes local rates. For example, California's statewide base rate is 7.25%, and New York City's combined rate is 8.875%.

Removing sales tax from a total

To find the price before tax, divide the total by 1 plus the rate: a $108.25 receipt at 8.25% was $100 before tax. Subtracting 8.25% from the total would give the wrong answer. Choose "Remove sales tax" and the calculator applies the correct formula, which is handy for expense reports and refunds.

Other taxes

Outside the US, most countries use VAT or GST, which is usually included in shelf prices. Use the VAT calculator for the UK, EU and other VAT countries, or the GST calculator for India. For restaurant bills, the tip calculator adds the tip and splits the total, and the bill splitter handles uneven shares.

Exempt items and use tax

Many states exempt or reduce tax on groceries, prescription medicine and some clothing, so a receipt can mix taxed and untaxed items. Enter only the taxable amount in that case. If you buy from an out-of-state seller that does not collect your state's sales tax, you may owe use tax at the same rate when you file your state return; this calculator works for that too.