Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax when you know the pre-tax price and sales tax rate. Alternatively, calculate the pre-tax price by entering the total price and sales tax rate.
FAQ
How do I calculate sales tax at checkout?
Multiply the pre-tax price by the sales tax rate, then add that tax amount to the pre-tax price. Sales tax is usually added at checkout instead of being included in the shelf price.
Example:
If an item costs $100 before tax and the sales tax rate is 8%, the
sales tax amount is $8 and the checkout total is $108.
How do I find the price before sales tax?
If you know the total price and the sales tax rate, divide the total price by 1 plus the tax rate as a decimal. This backs sales tax out of a receipt total.
Example:
If the total is $108 and the tax rate is 8%, divide $108 by 1.08 to
get a pre-tax price of $100.
Why does sales tax vary by state, city or ZIP code?
Sales tax can include state, county, city and special district taxes. The state rate alone may not match the checkout rate because local governments can add their own sales taxes.
For exact purchases, use the rate for the sale location or delivery address. The state presets are useful for estimates, but local rates can change the final total.
Should I use the state rate or the combined local rate?
Use the combined state and local sales tax rate when you want an estimate of what a customer pays at checkout. Use only the state rate when you specifically need the statewide base rate.
If you know the exact city, county or ZIP code rate, enter it manually for the most accurate calculation.
Do all states have sales tax?
No. Some states do not have a general statewide sales tax. However, local taxes, excise taxes or special product taxes may still apply in some places.
A 0% state preset means there is no general state sales tax, not that every possible transaction is tax-free.
Is online shopping sales tax based on my state?
Often, online sales tax is based on the delivery address, but the exact rule depends on the seller, product and tax jurisdiction. For online purchases, use the sales tax rate for the shipping destination when you are estimating the checkout total.
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts?
Sales tax is usually calculated after discounts are applied, because the discounted price is the amount paid. Rules can vary for coupons, rebates and special promotions.
Are all products taxed at the same sales tax rate?
No. Groceries, clothing, medicine, prepared food, digital products and services may be taxed differently depending on the state and locality. Use the manual rate field when a product-specific rate applies.