Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax and total price instantly.
How It Works
Sales tax is a consumption tax added at the point of sale. US rates vary by state and locality — from 0% in Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Alaska (state level) to over 10% in some cities. Canada uses GST (5%), provincial HST or PST, and combined rates ranging from 5% to 15%.
Add tax to a price: Tax = Price × Rate. Total = Price + Tax.
Extract tax from a tax-inclusive total: Subtotal = Total ÷ (1 + Rate). Tax = Total − Subtotal.
Worked examples:
- $49.99 item at 8.25% → Tax = $49.99 × 0.0825 = $4.12, Total = $54.11.
- Total receipt shows $108.00 with 8% tax → Subtotal = $108 ÷ 1.08 = $100.00, Tax = $8.00.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate sales tax?
Multiply the pre-tax price by the tax rate (as a decimal). Example: $50 item at 7% tax → $50 × 0.07 = $3.50 tax, $53.50 total.
How do I find the pre-tax price from a total that includes tax?
Divide the total by (1 + tax rate). Example: total is $53.50 with 7% tax → $53.50 ÷ 1.07 = $50.00 pre-tax, tax = $3.50.
Which US states have no sales tax?
Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Alaska have no statewide sales tax. However, some Alaska localities do levy local sales taxes.
What is the highest sales tax rate in the US?
Combined state and local rates exceed 10% in several cities. Louisiana, Tennessee, and Arkansas consistently rank among the highest average combined rates, often above 9–10%.
Is sales tax the same as VAT?
No. Sales tax is collected only at the final point of sale to the consumer. VAT (Value Added Tax), used in Europe and many other countries, is collected at each stage of production and distribution, with businesses reclaiming the VAT they paid on inputs.