Which states have no sales tax?

Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. Alaska allows local sales taxes, so some purchases there are still taxed.

Why is the rate higher than my state rate?

Counties, cities and special districts add their own taxes. The combined rate printed on your receipt is the one that applies.

Is sales tax the same as VAT?

No. VAT is collected at every stage of production with credits for tax already paid; sales tax is collected once, at the final retail sale.

Sales Tax Calculator (US)

Add or remove US sales tax using your state and local combined rate.

Calculation Method Price before Tax Sales Tax Rate (%)

The 8.25% default is the US average combined state and local rate - enter your own rate for an exact figure.

What Is Sales Tax?

The United States has no national VAT. States and localities levy a sales tax on retail sales instead, and the combined rate ranges from 0% in states such as Oregon, Montana and New Hampshire to more than 11% in parts of California and Louisiana. The national average combined rate is about 8.25%.

Calculation Method

Sales Tax = Price x Rate

Total = Price + Sales Tax

Reverse: Price = Total / (1 + Rate)

The rate applies to the taxable price, and many states exempt groceries, prescription drugs or clothing below a threshold, so one rate will not match every basket.

Worked Examples

At 8.25%, a 100 item costs 108.25, of which 8.25 is tax.

Reverse: a 108.25 receipt contains 100.00 of price and 8.25 of tax.

Where the Rate Comes From

Sales tax is set by state, county and city, and the rules differ for food, clothing and digital goods. After the 2018 Wayfair ruling, online sellers collect tax based on the destination, but marketplace and nexus rules still vary. Check your state revenue department for the exact rate and exemptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states have no sales tax?: Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. Alaska allows local sales taxes, so some purchases there are still taxed.
Why is the rate higher than my state rate?: Counties, cities and special districts add their own taxes. The combined rate printed on your receipt is the one that applies.
Is sales tax the same as VAT?: No. VAT is collected at every stage of production with credits for tax already paid; sales tax is collected once, at the final retail sale.