Sales Tax Calculator 2026
Look up combined state + local sales tax rates and exemptions for all 50 states.
Purchase Details
Total With Tax
$108.19
Tax: $8.19 · Combined Rate: 8.190%
State Rate
6.250%
Avg Local Rate
1.940%
Combined
8.190%
Annual Sales Tax Impact
If you spend this amount weekly or monthly:
Disclaimer
- Local rates shown are state-wide averages. Your city/county rate may differ.
- Some items may have reduced rates rather than full exemption.
- Vehicle sales tax rules vary significantly by state.
How Sales Tax Works in the United States
Unlike a national VAT, the US relies on state and local sales taxes that vary dramatically by location. Five states — Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon — charge no state sales tax at all. Meanwhile, combined rates in some cities top 10%. The rate you actually pay depends on where the purchase is made, not where you live.
State vs Local Sales Tax
Your total sales tax has two parts. The state rate is set by the legislature and applies uniformly statewide. Local rates — imposed by counties, cities, and special districts — stack on top. In states like Louisiana, Alabama, and Colorado, local add-ons can exceed 5%, pushing the combined rate well above the state rate alone.
Common Exemptions
- Groceries — Most states exempt unprepared food. Exceptions include Alabama, Mississippi, and South Dakota, which tax groceries at the full rate.
- Clothing — Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Minnesota, and a few others exempt clothing purchases from sales tax.
- Prescription medicine — Nearly every state exempts prescription drugs. Illinois is a rare exception that taxes them at a reduced rate.
Annual Sales Tax Impact
For a household spending $40,000 per year on taxable goods in a state with an 8% combined rate, sales tax adds $3,200 annually. That's real money — often more than property tax for renters. High-sales-tax states effectively impose a hidden cost of living premium that doesn't show up in income tax comparisons.
Online Shopping and Sales Tax
Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, states can require online retailers to collect sales tax even without a physical presence. Almost every state with a sales tax now enforces this. If an online seller doesn't charge tax, you may owe "use tax" when you file your state return.
Sales Tax Holidays
Many states offer annual tax-free shopping periods, typically before the school year starts. During these weekends, qualifying purchases — school supplies, clothing, and sometimes computers — are exempt from state sales tax. Check your state's revenue department for 2026 dates.
Highest and Lowest Sales Tax States
| Highest Combined Rate | Rate | No Sales Tax States |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | ~9.55% | Alaska |
| Tennessee | ~9.55% | Delaware |
| Arkansas | ~9.47% | Montana |
| Washington | ~9.29% | New Hampshire |
| Alabama | ~9.24% | Oregon |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay sales tax on online purchases?
Yes. Since the 2018 Wayfair decision, most states require online retailers to collect sales tax. If a seller doesn't charge tax, you may owe "use tax" on your state return.
Is sales tax deductible on federal taxes?
Yes, if you itemize deductions. You can deduct either state income tax or state sales tax (not both) on Schedule A, subject to the $10,000 SALT cap.