Sales Tax Calculator
Work out sales tax when the rate is made up of several parts. Enter the state rate and any county, city and special district rates; the calculator adds them into the combined rate, then adds the tax to a price or works backwards from a total to the price before tax. Each part of the tax is listed separately, which helps when filing returns for different jurisdictions.
- Runs in your browser
- No sign-up
- Free to use
Rates are the ones you enter – this tool does not know the rules of any country or state. Check the official rates with your tax authority or an adviser. Some items are exempt or taxed at reduced rates.
How to use Sales Tax Calculator
- Choose to add tax or remove it.
- Enter the amount.
- Enter the state and local rates.
- Read the combined rate and the tax.
Sales Tax Calculator features
Layered rates
State, county, city, special.
Reverse calculation
Price before tax from a total.
Breakdown
Tax for each jurisdiction.
Three decimals
For rates such as 8.875%.
Formula shown
Every result explains how it was calculated.
Any currency
Choose from 30+ currencies; amounts are formatted for it.
When to use Sales Tax Calculator
- Pricing at markets and events.
- Checking receipts.
- Estimating tax on a purchase.
- Small online shops.
Sales Tax Calculator FAQ
Where do I find the rates?
On your state’s department of revenue website, which usually offers a rate lookup by address.
Is the tax charged on shipping?
It depends on the state. Some tax shipping charges, others do not; add shipping to the amount only when it is taxable.
Why is my combined rate different from a neighbour’s?
Local rates depend on the exact address; two sides of a street can be in different districts.
Does it handle exemptions?
No. Remove exempt items from the amount first.
How sales tax rates add up
In the United States, sales tax is set by states and often topped up by counties, cities and special districts for transport or other purposes. The rate a customer pays is the sum of all applicable parts.
Unlike VAT, sales tax is charged once, at the final sale to the consumer, and prices are normally shown before tax.
This calculator does not contain the tax rules of any country, state or city. It applies the rates you enter, which keeps it useful everywhere but means you should confirm the right rates and any exemptions with the official tax authority or an accountant before relying on the figure.
Tax figures are a frequent source of errors in quotes and budgets. Keeping the net amount, the tax and the gross amount side by side, as this calculator does, makes it easy to check an invoice or a receipt line by line.