Unlike the UK's VAT or India's GST, the US has no national sales tax. Each of the 50 states sets its own rate, and many cities and counties add further on top. The result: buying the same item can cost 10%+ more in Louisiana than in Oregon. Here's how it all works.
How US Sales Tax Works
US sales tax is always quoted exclusive of the price — meaning the sticker price doesn't include tax. You see $29.99 on the shelf, but pay $32.24 at checkout (in a 7.5% tax jurisdiction). This contrasts with most other countries where the displayed price includes all taxes.
Sales tax is collected by the retailer at point of sale and remitted to the state government. It applies to most tangible goods and increasingly to services and digital products. Online retailers now collect sales tax in states where they have "economic nexus" (typically $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions per year), following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling South Dakota v. Wayfair.
States With No Sales Tax
Zero sales tax states: Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, Alaska (no state sales tax, though local taxes may apply)
Note: Alaska has no state sales tax, but cities and boroughs can levy their own. Portland, OR is popular for major purchases (electronics, luxury goods) specifically to avoid sales tax.
States With Highest Combined Rates (State + Average Local)
| State | State Rate | Avg Combined |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 4.45% | 9.56% |
| Tennessee | 7.0% | 9.55% |
| Arkansas | 6.5% | 9.46% |
| Washington | 6.5% | 9.38% |
| Alabama | 4.0% | 9.29% |
Source: Tax Foundation 2025. Combined rates include average local/county taxes.
How to Calculate US Sales Tax
Adding tax to a pre-tax price:
Total = Price × (1 + rate/100)
$500 × 1.0825 = $541.25 (8.25% rate)
Finding the pre-tax price from a tax-inclusive amount:
Note: US prices rarely include tax. But if you need to back-calculate:
Pre-tax = Inclusive ÷ (1 + rate/100)
What's Exempt from Sales Tax?
Exemptions vary by state, but common ones include:
- Groceries: Fully exempt in about 30 states (California, Texas, Illinois). Partially taxed in others (e.g., Tennessee taxes groceries at reduced 4%).
- Prescription drugs: Exempt in almost all states.
- Clothing: Exempt in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Minnesota. Taxable in most states.
- Digital goods / SaaS: Increasingly taxable — many states expanded rules post-2020.
Sales Tax Holidays
Many states run annual sales tax holidays — usually back-to-school season (July–August) — where clothing, school supplies, and sometimes computers are temporarily exempt. Florida's holiday covers electronics up to certain price limits. Texas's covers clothing and footwear under $100 per item. Worth planning large purchases around these dates.
Calculate US sales tax instantly
Open Sales Tax Calculator →Source: Tax Foundation, state revenue departments. Rates subject to change. Not tax advice.