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🧾 Sales Tax Calculator

Add or remove US state sales tax with state-by-state combined averages.

ℹ️ Combined averages. US sales tax includes a state base rate and an average local rate. Actual ZIP-code rates can be ±2 percentage points from the state average.

About the Sales Tax Calculator

The Sales Tax Calculator uses Tax Foundation 2024 combined averages for each US state — that is, the state base rate plus a weighted average of city and county rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why might my actual rate differ? US sales tax rates are set at city and county level on top of the state base rate. ZIP-code rates can differ by 2 percentage points or more from the state average, especially in big metropolitan areas.

Is sales tax the same as VAT? No. VAT (used in EU/UK) is collected at every stage of production with credits for business inputs. Sales tax is collected only at the final retail sale. Both serve a similar economic purpose but differ administratively.

Are groceries taxed? Many US states exempt groceries from sales tax or apply a reduced rate. The combined rate here applies to general retail goods.

Last reviewed: June 2026. Estimates only — confirm exact figures with the relevant tax authority or a qualified adviser before acting.

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Important Note: Always confirm the exact rate at point-of-sale or with your state's department of revenue for compliance and reporting.

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