🧾 Sales Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate sales tax on purchases or find the pre-tax price
➕ Calculate Total with Tax
📍 US State Sales Tax Rates (2026)
Total Price
$108.25
Pre-Tax Price$100.00
Tax Rate8.25%
Tax Amount$8.25
Total$108.25
🧮 Quick Tax Table
PriceTax (8.25%)Total
Understanding Sales Tax
📐 Calculate Tax
Tax = Price × (Rate ÷ 100). For 8% tax on $50: $50 × 0.08 = $4 tax. Total = $54.
🔙 Reverse Tax
Pre-tax = Total ÷ (1 + Rate). $108 with 8% tax: $108 ÷ 1.08 = $100 pre-tax.
📊 Find Rate
Rate = ((Total - Price) ÷ Price) × 100. Paid $54 for $50 item: ($4 ÷ $50) × 100 = 8%.
🏛️ Tax Types
Sales tax varies by state (0-7.25%) plus local taxes. Some states tax groceries, others don't. 5 states have no sales tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate sales tax?
Tax Amount = Price × (Tax Rate ÷ 100). Example: $100 item at 8%
tax = $100 × 0.08 = $8 tax. Total = $108. Or multiply by 1.08 to get total directly.
How do I find the pre-tax price?
Pre-tax Price = Total ÷ (1 + Tax Rate). Example: $108 total at 8%
tax = $108 ÷ 1.08 = $100 pre-tax. The tax was $8.
How do I calculate the tax rate?
Rate = ((Total - Original) ÷ Original) × 100. Example: Paid $54
for $50 item. Tax = $4. Rate = ($4 ÷ $50) × 100 = 8%.
Which states have no sales tax?
5 states: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon.
However, Alaska allows local sales taxes. Delaware has a gross receipts tax on businesses.
Which state has the highest sales tax?
California: 7.25% state rate (highest base). Combined with local
taxes, Louisiana has highest combined average (~9.55%). Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama also high.
Is sales tax included in the price?
In the US, sales tax is usually added at checkout. Price tags show
pre-tax price. In many other countries (EU, UK, Australia), tax is included in displayed prices.
Do I pay sales tax on online purchases?
Usually yes since 2018 (South Dakota v. Wayfair). Most online
retailers collect sales tax based on your shipping address. Some exceptions for small sellers.
What is "use tax"?
Use tax is owed when you buy something without paying sales tax
(out-of-state, online) but use it in your state. Same rate as sales tax. Technically owed on tax return.
Are groceries taxed?
Varies by state. Many states exempt groceries or tax at reduced
rate. Some (Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota) fully tax groceries.
Is clothing taxed?
Varies. Most states tax clothing. Exemptions: Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, New York (under $110), Minnesota, Vermont (some items). Tax holidays sometimes apply.
What are sales tax holidays?
Temporary exemptions on certain items (back-to-school, emergency
prep). Many states offer them in August. Check your state's schedule for dates and eligible items.
How do I calculate tax on multiple items?
Add all item prices, then apply tax rate. Or calculate tax on each
and sum. Both methods give the same result. Example: $50 + $30 = $80. 8% tax = $6.40. Total = $86.40.
What is VAT vs sales tax?
Sales tax: charged once at final sale to consumer (US system).
VAT: charged at each production stage, refunded to businesses, only final consumer pays
net (EU system). Same end result.
Do businesses pay sales tax?
Usually no on items for resale (provide resale certificate). Yes
on items consumed by business. Businesses collect and remit customer's sales tax to the state.
How do tips affect sales tax?
Tips are not taxable for sales tax. Tax is calculated on
meal/service cost only. A $50 meal + $10 tip at 8% = $4 tax. Total = $64, not $64.80.
Can I deduct sales tax on my tax return?
Yes, if itemizing. Choose either state income tax OR sales tax
deduction. Sales tax useful in no-income-tax states. IRS provides tables or use actual receipts.
How accurate is this calculator?
Calculations are mathematically accurate. State rates shown are
base state rates—actual rates vary by city/county. Always check current local combined rate for
accuracy.