Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax, total price, and tax-inclusive pricing for any purchase
Whether you're shopping, running a business, or planning a budget, our sales tax calculator helps you quickly determine the total cost of purchases including tax, calculate tax amounts, or find the pre-tax price from a tax-inclusive total.
Sales Tax Rates by Location
Important Notes
• Tax rates shown are approximate and may vary by city/county
• Some items may be tax-exempt (groceries, medicine, etc.)
• Online purchases may have different tax rules
• Always verify current rates with local authorities
Quick Examples
How Sales Tax Works
Adding Sales Tax
Formula: Total = Price × (1 + Tax Rate)
Example: $100 item with 8.5% tax
Tax Amount = $100 × 0.085 = $8.50
Total = $100 + $8.50 = $108.50
Or: Total = $100 × 1.085 = $108.50
Removing Sales Tax
Formula: Price = Total ÷ (1 + Tax Rate)
Example: $108.50 total with 8.5% tax
Price = $108.50 ÷ 1.085 = $100.00
Tax Amount = $108.50 - $100.00 = $8.50
This helps find the pre-tax price from a total.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items are typically exempt from sales tax?
Common exemptions include groceries, prescription medications, medical devices, and sometimes clothing. However, exemptions vary significantly by state and locality. Always check local tax laws for specific exemptions.
How is sales tax calculated on discounted items?
Sales tax is typically calculated on the final sale price after discounts are applied. For example, if a $100 item has a 20% discount, tax is calculated on $80, not the original $100.
Do I pay sales tax on online purchases?
Generally yes, if the seller has a physical presence (nexus) in your state. Many states now require online retailers to collect sales tax regardless of physical presence. The tax rate is usually based on your shipping address.
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