Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax instantly with forward and reverse calculations. Add tax to purchase amounts or extract pre-tax amounts from totals. Includes all US state tax rates with local averages. 100% free and private.
Calculate total cost by adding tax to the purchase amount
Quick presets:
Bidirectional Calculation
Forward and reverse calculations - add tax or extract pre-tax amounts from totals
All US State Rates
Complete database of US state and local tax rates, updated for 2024
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All calculations happen in your browser - your data never leaves your device
About Sales Tax
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by the government on the sale of goods and services. In the United States, sales tax rates vary significantly by state, with some states having no sales tax at all, while others have combined state and local rates exceeding 10%.
States with No Sales Tax
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon do not impose a statewide sales tax. However, Alaska allows local jurisdictions to levy sales taxes.
How Sales Tax Works
Sales tax is typically calculated as a percentage of the purchase price and added to the final cost. The rate consists of two parts: the state base rate and any additional local taxes (city, county, or district).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate sales tax?
To calculate sales tax, multiply the purchase amount by the tax rate percentage. For example, if you buy something for $100 with a 7% tax rate, the tax is $100 × 0.07 = $7, making the total $107. Use our calculator for instant results.
What's the difference between forward and reverse calculation?
Forward calculation adds tax to a purchase amount to get the total. Reverse calculation works backwards from the total to find the pre-tax amount. This is useful when you know the final price but need to determine the base price and tax separately.
How do I find my state's sales tax rate?
Use our state selector dropdown to automatically apply your state's combined average sales tax rate (state + local). Each state has different rates, ranging from 0% (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon) to over 9% in some states.
Can I use a custom tax rate?
Yes! You can enter any custom tax rate between 0% and 100%. This is useful for specific localities, international VAT rates, or special tax situations not covered by the state averages.
Why do states have different tax rates?
Sales tax rates vary by state because each state sets its own base rate. Many states also allow local jurisdictions (cities, counties) to add additional taxes. The combined rate is what consumers actually pay. Some states have no sales tax at all.
What's the highest sales tax rate in the US?
Louisiana and Tennessee tie for the highest combined state and average local sales tax rate at 9.55%. However, specific localities in other states may have even higher rates when you include all district taxes.