Financial Tool

Sales Tax Calculator

Accurately calculate total cost and tax amounts for any purchase. Works for all US states and international VAT rates.

Net Price ($)

Tax Rate (%)

Σ The Formula

Tax Amount = Price × (Rate% / 100) | Total = Price + Tax Amount

Real World Examples

Laptop Purchase

$1,000 laptop, 8.25% tax: Tax $82.50, Total $1,082.50

New Car

$25,000 car, 6% tax: Tax $1,500, Total $26,500

Groceries (Tax Exempt)

$50 bread/milk, 0% tax: Tax $0, Total $50

Small Business Invoice

$500 service, 5% tax: Tax $25, Total $525

# About This Calculator

The Sales Tax Calculator helps you determine the ultimate cost of an item or service. Retail prices in the US typically display the "pre-tax" amount, which can lead to sticker shock at the checkout counter. This simple tool allows you to add state, county, and city tax rates to see exactly what will leave your wallet.

How Sales Tax Works in the US

Unlike VAT (Value Added Tax) in Europe where the tax is included in the price tag, US sales tax is added at the point of sale.

Combined Rates

Your total tax rate is likely a sum of State + County + City taxes. For example, a 6% state tax + 1% county tax + 1.5% city tax = 8.5% Combined Rate.

Tax Exemptions

Not everything is taxed! Many states exempt necessities like unprocessed groceries, prescription drugs, and sometimes clothing (up to a certain price limit).

Reverse Sales Tax Calculation

Sometimes you know the total amount paid and need to find the original pre-tax price (useful for business accounting and separating revenue from tax liability).

Original Price = Total Paid / (1 + (Tax Rate / 100))

Example: Paid $108 total at 8% tax. $108 / 1.08 = $100 Original Price.

Explore Related Financial Tools

Discount Calculator - Find the price BEFORE tax is applied.
Tip Calculator - Calculate gratuity on top of tax.

How To Use

Enter the Net Price (price on the sticker/tag).
Enter the Sales Tax Rate (combined % for your location).
Click Calculate Total to see the tax amount and final price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay sales tax on online purchases?+

Usually, yes. Following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling (South Dakota v. Wayfair), most states require online retailers to collect sales tax if they ship to your state, even if they don't have a physical store there.

Which states have zero sales tax?+

Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon differ from the norm. While they have no *state* sales tax, some (like Alaska) allow local municipalities to charge their own tax.

Is tax calculated before or after discounts?+

Tax is calculated on the *actual sales price*. If you have a coupon or discount, the tax applies to the lower, discounted price, saving you even more money. However, manufacturer rebates are often taxed on the full price.

What is 'Use Tax'?+

Use Tax is the counterpart to Sales Tax. If you buy a taxable item tax-free (e.g., from an overseas seller), you are technically required to report and pay 'Use Tax' on that item to your home state.

Are services taxed?+

It depends heavily on the state. Traditionally, goods are taxed and services (like haircuts or consulting) are not. However, many states are expanding tax laws to include digital services (streaming) and repair labor.

How do I calculate VAT?+

VAT (Value Added Tax) works similarly mathematically but is usually inclusive. If a price is 'VAT Inclusive', the tax is already inside. To extract it: Tax = Price - (Price / (1 + Rate)).