Sales Tax Calculator

Need to quickly figure out how much sales tax you'll pay on a purchase? Or find the pre-tax price from a total? This sales tax calculator handles both in seconds.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the original price (pre-tax amount).
2. Enter the sales tax rate (find your state + local rate below or check your state's revenue department).
3. Click Calculate to see the tax amount and total price including tax.

To find the pre-tax price from a tax-inclusive total: enter the total and rate, then click "Remove Tax."

Sales Tax Formula

Tax Amount = Price × Tax Rate

Total Price = Price + Tax Amount = Price × (1 + Tax Rate)

Pre-tax Price = Total ÷ (1 + Tax Rate)

Example Calculations

Item price: $85.00 | Sales tax rate: 8.5%

• Tax: $85.00 × 0.085 = $7.23
• Total: $92.23

Reverse: Total is $92.23 at 8.5% → Pre-tax: $92.23 ÷ 1.085 = $85.00

US State Sales Tax Rates (2025 approximate)

• No state sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon
• Low (under 5%): Colorado (2.9%), Hawaii (4%), Alabama (4%), Georgia (4%), Wyoming (4%)
• Mid (5%–7%): Most states fall in this range
• High (over 9% with local): Louisiana (~9.55%), Tennessee (~9.55%), Arkansas (~9.46%), Washington (~8.86%)

Note: Local taxes can add 1%–5% on top of state rates. Total rates vary by city and county.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using only the state rate — Always add local (city/county) rates for the correct total. In some cities, local rates add 3%–4% on top of state.
• Assuming online purchases are tax-free — Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair ruling, online retailers must collect sales tax in states where they have economic nexus (usually based on sales volume).
• Forgetting that some items are exempt — Groceries, prescription drugs, and clothing are exempt from sales tax in many states. The rules vary by state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is sales tax different from VAT?

Sales tax is charged only at the final point of sale (retail). VAT (Value Added Tax) is charged at each stage of production and is common in Europe. See our VAT Calculator.

Do I pay sales tax on services?

It depends on the state. Some states tax certain services (e.g., digital services, repair services); most exempt professional services (legal, medical, accounting).

What is "nexus" for sales tax?

Nexus is a sufficient connection between a business and a state that requires the business to collect and remit sales tax. It can be physical (office, warehouse) or economic (exceeding sales/transaction thresholds in a state).

Conclusion

Sales tax adds up quickly on larger purchases. Use this calculator before shopping to budget accurately, compare prices across state lines, or determine the correct tax amount to collect as a business.

Related: VAT Calculator | Discount Calculator | Tip Calculator | Budget Calculator