Sales Tax Calculator

Calculate sales tax, VAT, or GST for any purchase. Add tax to price or extract tax from total. This tool processes all data locally in your browser. No information is ever sent to any server. Completely free, no registration required.

How to Use the Sales Tax Calculator

1. Enter your input values above
2. Results update automatically
3. Copy or download the output

What is a Sales Tax Calculator?

A Sales Tax Calculator instantly computes the total price of a purchase including state and local sales tax. In the United States, sales tax is not included in displayed prices (unlike VAT in Europe), meaning the price you see on a shelf or online listing is rarely what you actually pay. With combined state and local sales tax rates ranging from 0% (Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon) to over 10% (Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Washington), and many cities adding their own tax on top, the final price can vary dramatically. In 2026, 45 states plus DC collect statewide sales taxes, and 38 states allow local sales taxes. This calculator handles all US state and local combinations.

How Does It Work?

Enter the listed price and your state/local sales tax rate. The calculator applies: Sales Tax = Price × Tax Rate%, Total = Price + Tax. Quick presets for major city tax rates (NYC 8.875%, LA 9.50%, Chicago 10.25%, Houston 8.25%, Miami 7.00%) let you instantly see regional differences. For business purchases, the calculator also shows the pre-tax amount when you only know the total (useful for expense reports and tax deduction calculations).

Formula

Sales Tax = Listed Price × (State Rate% + Local Rate%)\nTotal Price = Listed Price + Sales Tax\n\nReverse Calculation:\nPre-Tax Price = Total ÷ (1 + Tax Rate%)\nTax Amount = Total − Pre-Tax Price

Who Uses This Tool?

• Shoppers budgeting for purchases in states with high sales tax
• Online retailers calculating tax obligations for different buyer states
• Small business owners determining sales tax to collect and remit
• Travelers understanding regional price differences
• Accountants and bookkeepers reconciling receipts

Pro Tips

• Most states tax online purchases now — since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, even out-of-state sellers must collect sales tax if they exceed state thresholds (typically $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions)
• Some items are tax-exempt in certain states: groceries (most states), prescription drugs (all states), and clothing under $100 (NY, MA, PA). Check local rules
• For large purchases (appliances, furniture, cars), sales tax can add hundreds or thousands. Factor this in when comparing prices across state lines
• Businesses: keep receipts separate for taxable and non-taxable purchases. Most states require monthly or quarterly sales tax filing

Frequently Asked Questions about Sales Tax Calculator

Which states have no sales tax?

Five states have zero state-level sales tax: Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Alaska (although Alaska allows local sales taxes). However, these states often have higher income or property taxes to compensate.

Do I need to pay sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, in most cases. Since the 2018 Wayfair decision, online retailers are required to collect sales tax in states where they have 'economic nexus' (usually $100,000+ in annual sales or 200+ transactions). Even if the seller doesn't collect, you may owe 'use tax' in your state.

What's the difference between sales tax and VAT?

Sales tax (US model) is only charged at the final point of sale to the end consumer. VAT (Value Added Tax, used in Europe/UK/Canada) is charged at each stage of production and distribution. VAT is always included in displayed prices; US sales tax is added at checkout.

Free online Sales Tax Calculator — no signup, 100% client-side processing. All data stays in your browser.