US Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax, find the total price after tax, or reverse-calculate tax from a final price. Fast, accurate percentage calculations with a clear receipt-style breakdown.
Calculate Sales Tax
USD · Custom rateEnter the purchase subtotal before tax.
Example rates only. Enter your actual local rate.
Optional. Assumes the discount reduces the taxable price.
Multiple Items
Optional. When items are added, their combined subtotal replaces the single price entered above.
Your Tax Breakdown
Live resultsHow to use the US Sales Tax Calculator
Estimate the sales tax on a purchase in three simple steps. You can calculate forward or work backward from a tax-inclusive price.
Enter Your Price
Enter the purchase amount, or add several items with prices and quantities.
Set the Tax Rate
Enter the combined sales tax percentage applicable to your purchase location and item.
Review the Results
See the taxable subtotal, tax amount and final total. Copy the breakdown if needed.
US Sales Tax Formulas
Sales tax is generally calculated as a percentage of the taxable purchase amount.
Adding Sales Tax
Sales Tax = Taxable Price × (Rate ÷ 100)
Total = Taxable Price + Sales Tax
Example: $120 at 8% produces $9.60 in sales tax and a total of $129.60.
Reverse Sales Tax
Original Price = Final Price ÷ (1 + Rate ÷ 100)
Included Tax = Final Price − Original Price
Example: A tax-inclusive price of $108 at 8% contains $8 in sales tax.
Understanding sales tax in the United States
Sales tax rules vary by jurisdiction. Understanding the applicable rate and taxable purchase amount helps produce a more reliable estimate.
What is US sales tax?
Sales tax is a transaction tax that may be charged on taxable goods and services. Unlike a nationwide VAT system, the United States does not have a single federal general sales tax rate.
State and local sales tax
A transaction may be subject to state, county, city and special district taxes. The applicable combined rate can differ between nearby locations.
What about tax-exempt items?
Some groceries, medicines, clothing and other products may qualify for exemptions or special treatment depending on the jurisdiction. This calculator assumes the entered amount is taxable.
Online purchases
Online transactions may involve destination-based or origin-based sourcing rules. Shipping charges and seller obligations can also affect the correct taxable amount.
Discounts and coupons
The calculator assumes the entered percentage discount reduces the taxable price before sales tax. Actual treatment can depend on the type of discount and applicable state rules.
Why might a receipt differ?
Retailers may use item-level tax rounding, different taxability rules or special local calculation methods. Small differences are possible.
Sales Tax Calculation Examples
These examples demonstrate the percentage calculation. The rates are illustrative, not verified local rates.
| Price Before Tax | Example Rate | Sales Tax | Final Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50.00 | 5% | $2.50 | $52.50 |
| $100.00 | 7.5% | $7.50 | $107.50 |
| $120.00 | 8% | $9.60 | $129.60 |
| $250.00 | 8.25% | $20.63 | $270.63 |
| $1,000.00 | 10% | $100.00 | $1,100.00 |
US Sales Tax Calculator FAQ
How do I calculate sales tax?
Multiply the taxable price by the sales tax rate divided by 100. Add the result to the taxable price.
How do I reverse-calculate sales tax?
Divide the tax-inclusive total by 1 plus the tax rate as a decimal. Subtract that original price from the total.
Is there one sales tax rate across the US?
No. Rates vary across states and local jurisdictions. Some states do not impose a statewide general sales tax.
Does this calculator find my local tax rate?
No. You must enter the rate applicable to your transaction. Quick-select percentages are examples only.
Can I calculate tax for multiple items?
Yes. Add item prices and quantities in Add Sales Tax mode. All items are assumed taxable at the same rate.
Does sales tax apply before discounts?
Treatment varies by jurisdiction and discount type. This calculator assumes the entered discount reduces the taxable amount before tax.
Are groceries always subject to sales tax?
No. Some jurisdictions exempt or apply reduced rates to qualifying grocery purchases.
Why does my receipt differ by a few cents?
Retailers may use different rounding methods, including tax calculations at the item level.
Can businesses use this for tax filings?
This tool is intended for estimates. Businesses should follow official rules and use appropriate tax-compliance systems.
Can I use this calculator for VAT?
The basic percentage arithmetic is similar, but VAT rules differ. Use a dedicated VAT calculator for VAT-related calculations.
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