US Sales Tax Calculator
Add or reverse calculate sales tax based on your local state & city rate.
Rates vary by state, county, and municipality. Enter your exact local rate above.
How United States Sales Tax Works
Unlike countries with a single federal Value-Added Tax (VAT) or national Goods and Services Tax (GST), the United States has no federal sales tax. Instead, sales taxes are levied at the state, county, municipal, and special transit district levels. Currently, 45 states plus the District of Columbia collect statewide sales taxes, while Alaska permits local municipal taxes only.
The Difference Between State and Local Sales Tax
When a customer purchases a retail product, the total sales tax percentage paid at the register is the sum of multiple layers:
For example, in parts of California, the statewide base tax of 7.25% combines with local city and county transportation taxes to reach an effective rate over 10.25%.
Sales Tax Calculation Formulas
1. Adding Sales Tax (Standard)
Tax Amount = Net Price × (Tax Rate ÷ 100)
Total Price = Net Price + Tax Amount
2. Removing Sales Tax (Reverse)
Pre-Tax Net = Total Price ÷ (1 + (Tax Rate ÷ 100))
Tax Amount = Total Price - Pre-Tax Net
The Five Tax-Free States (NOMAD)
Five US states do not levy a general statewide sales tax, often remembered by the acronym NOMAD:
- New Hampshire: 0% general sales tax
- Oregon: 0% general sales tax
- Montana: 0% statewide (certain resort communities charge a local tax)
- Alaska: 0% statewide (local municipalities may levy local rates)
- Delaware: 0% general sales tax