US Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Note: Local tax is calculated on the base purchase price, not on the amount including state tax.
Total Purchase Price
--
Tax as % of Purchase 0%
Amount Before Tax$0
State Sales Tax$0
Local/City Tax$0
Total Tax Amount--

How to Use the Sales Tax Calculator

1
Choose your Calculation Mode: "Add Tax" if you know the base price, or "Remove Tax" if you have the total price and want to find the base amount.
2
Enter the dollar amount in the Amount field.
3
Select your state to auto-fill the state rate, and enter any local or city tax rates if applicable.
4
Review your Total Tax Breakdown, including net amount, specific state/local taxes, and the total price.
Sales Tax Calculation Formulas
1. Adding Tax (Forward Calculation):

Total Price = Amount Before Tax × (1 + Tax Rate)

2. Removing Tax (Backward Calculation):

Amount Before Tax = Amount After Tax ÷ (1 + Tax Rate)

Tax Amount = Amount After Tax - Amount Before Tax

*Tax Rate = (State Rate + Local Rate) / 100

Practical Examples

Example 1: Basic Purchase in California

Purchase Amount: $500
State Rate: 7.25%
Local Rate: 1.00%
Total Tax Rate: 8.25%
Total Tax: $41.25
Total Price: $541.25

Example 2: High-Tax Area (New Jersey)

Purchase Amount: $1,200
State Rate: 6.625%
Local Rate: 1.50%
Total Tax Rate: 8.125%
Total Tax: $97.50
Total Price: $1,297.50

Example 3: No State Sales Tax (Oregon)

Purchase Amount: $350
State Rate: 0.00%
Local Rate: 0.00%
Total Tax Rate: 0.00%
Total Tax: $0.00
Total Price: $350.00

Example 4: Large Purchase with Local Tax

Purchase Amount: $10,000 (e.g., furniture)
State Rate: 6.50% (Texas)
Local Rate: 2.00%
Total Tax Rate: 8.50%
Total Tax: $850.00
Total Price: $10,850.00

2026 US State Sales Tax Rates

Below is a complete reference table of state sales tax rates. Note that these are base rates only - local jurisdictions may add additional taxes.

2026 State Sales Tax Rates
State State Sales Tax Rate
Alabama 4.00%
Alaska 0.00%
Arizona 5.60%
Arkansas 6.50%
California (a) 7.25%
Colorado 2.90%
Connecticut 6.35%
Delaware 0.00%
Florida 6.00%
Georgia 4.00%
Hawaii (b) 4.00%
Idaho 6.00%
Illinois 6.25%
Indiana 7.00%
Iowa 6.00%
Kansas 6.50%
Kentucky 6.00%
Louisiana 5.00%
Maine 5.50%
Maryland 6.00%
Massachusetts 6.25%
Michigan 6.00%
Minnesota 6.875%
Mississippi 7.00%
Missouri 4.225%
Montana (c) 0.00%
Nebraska 5.50%
Nevada 6.85%
New Hampshire 0.00%
New Jersey (d) 6.625%
New Mexico (b) 4.875%
New York 4.00%
North Carolina 4.75%
North Dakota 5.00%
Ohio 5.75%
Oklahoma 4.50%
Oregon 0.00%
Pennsylvania 6.00%
Rhode Island 7.00%
South Carolina 6.00%
South Dakota (b) 4.20%
Tennessee 7.00%
Texas 6.25%
Utah (a) 6.10%
Vermont 6.00%
Virginia (a) 5.30%
Washington 6.50%
West Virginia 6.00%
Wisconsin 5.00%
Wyoming 4.00%
District of Columbia 6.00%

How US Sales Tax is Calculated

Sales tax in the United States is not a single national rate. Instead, it is a combination of State, County, and City taxes. When you make a purchase, the merchant collects the combined rate based on the location of the transaction.

States with No Sales Tax

Known as the "NOMAD" states, these five states do not impose a general statewide sales tax:

  • New Hampshire
  • Oregon
  • Montana
  • Alaska (though some local municipalities charge tax)
  • Delaware

2026 Sales Tax Guide

To use this sales tax estimator, enter the base price of your item, select your state to auto-fill the statewide rate, and manually enter any local or district taxes if applicable. This tool helps you budget for large purchases like electronics, furniture, or vehicles using detailed tax breakdowns. You can also calculate prices after discounts by adjusting the base amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I calculate sales tax backward (reverse tax)?
Yes! Using the "Remove Tax" mode, you can enter the final total price you paid. The calculator will then work backward to determine the original base price and the specific amount of tax included in that total.
How accurate are the tax rates in this calculator?
Our calculator uses the latest 2026 state sales tax rates. Local tax rates vary by county, city, and special districts, so we provide a field for you to enter your specific local rate. For the most precise calculation, check with your local tax authority or the merchant where you're making the purchase.
Why doesn't my state's tax rate match exactly what I pay?
Many states have different rates for specific items (like groceries, clothing, or prepared food) and some counties or cities may have additional special tax districts. Our calculator provides a general estimate based on standard sales tax rates.
How is local tax calculated in relation to state tax?
In most jurisdictions, local tax is calculated on the base purchase price (not including state tax). However, some areas calculate local tax on the amount including state tax. Our calculator uses the most common method (base amount only) but displays a note about this assumption.
Are there items that are exempt from sales tax?
Yes, many states exempt certain items like groceries, prescription medications, and sometimes clothing or educational materials. Tax exemptions vary significantly by state and locality. This calculator assumes a standard taxable purchase.
Do online purchases have different tax rules?
Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, online retailers are generally required to collect sales tax based on the buyer's location, following the same rules as brick-and-mortar stores. However, small sellers may have different requirements depending on state laws.
How often are the tax rates in this calculator updated?
We review and update our tax rate database annually at the beginning of each year to reflect current rates. Major mid-year tax changes are also updated promptly when they occur and are published by state authorities.
Is my data saved when I use this calculator?
No, all calculations are performed locally in your browser. We do not store, track, or transmit any of the amounts or tax rates you enter. Your privacy and data security are important to us.
Can I use this calculator for business tax planning?
While this calculator can provide estimates for business purchases, it's not designed for comprehensive business tax planning. Businesses have additional considerations like resale certificates, use tax obligations, and multi-state nexus rules. Consult with a tax professional for business-specific tax advice.