Sales Tax Calculator
Enter a price and tax rate to see the tax amount and total — or enter a tax-inclusive total to reverse-calculate the pre-tax price.
Combined Sales Tax Rates by State (2025)
| State | State Rate | Avg. Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 7.0% | 9.55% |
| Louisiana | 4.45% | 9.56% |
| Arkansas | 6.5% | 9.44% |
| Washington | 6.5% | 9.38% |
| Alabama | 4.0% | 9.24% |
| California | 7.25% | 8.82% |
| Texas | 6.25% | 8.19% |
| New York | 4.0% | 8.52% |
| Oregon | 0% | 0% |
| Montana | 0% | 0% |
Combined rates include state + average local taxes. Source: Tax Foundation 2025. Local rates vary — check your specific city/county.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate sales tax?
Multiply the item price by the tax rate expressed as a decimal. Formula: Tax Amount = Price × (Tax Rate ÷ 100). Total Price = Price + Tax Amount. Example: $49.99 item with 8.5% tax: $49.99 × 0.085 = $4.25 tax. Total = $49.99 + $4.25 = $54.24. To reverse-calculate (find pre-tax price from a total): Pre-Tax Price = Total ÷ (1 + Tax Rate ÷ 100). Example: $54.24 total ÷ 1.085 = $49.99 pre-tax.
What is the sales tax rate in my state?
US state sales tax rates in 2025: California 7.25% (highest base rate), Louisiana 4.45%, Tennessee 7%, Minnesota 6.875%, Nevada 6.85%, New Jersey 6.625%, Washington 6.5%, Texas 6.25%, Illinois 6.25%. No state sales tax: Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, Alaska. Note that local county and city taxes are added on top of state rates — combined rates often reach 8–11%. Always check your specific local rate for exact calculations.
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts?
Sales tax is calculated on the final selling price after discounts and coupons are applied. If an item is $100 with a 20% off coupon ($20 discount), sales tax is calculated on $80, not $100. However, manufacturer rebates applied after purchase may be taxed differently — you may pay tax on the pre-rebate price depending on your state. Gift cards are typically not taxed at purchase; the item is taxed when the gift card is used.
What items are exempt from sales tax?
Sales tax exemptions vary by state. Common exemptions: Groceries (food for home consumption) — exempt in 32 states. Prescription medications — exempt in all 50 states. Over-the-counter medications — exempt in many states. Clothing — fully exempt in Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont. Digital downloads — taxability varies widely (some states now tax software, streaming, e-books). Farm equipment, manufacturing equipment, and resale items are also commonly exempt.