State Sales Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate sales tax for any US state with our free State Sales Tax Calculator. Get the state rate, average local rate, and combined rate for all 50 states plus Washington D.C. Updated for 2026 with the latest tax rates.
What Is Sales Tax?
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by state and local governments on the sale of goods and services. In the United States, sales tax is not a single national tax but rather a combination of state and local taxes that vary by jurisdiction. As of 2026, 45 states levy a state-level sales tax, and 38 states allow local sales taxes.
The combined sales tax rate is the sum of the state rate and any applicable local rates (county, city, or special district taxes). The five states with the highest average combined rates in 2026 are Louisiana (10.11%), Tennessee (9.61%), Washington (9.51%), Arkansas (9.46%), and Alabama (9.46%). Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon.
How Does the State Sales Tax Calculator Work?
The calculator uses the following formula:
Total Tax = Purchase Amount × (State Rate + Local Rate)
For example, in California (7.25% state rate) with a 1.6% average local rate, the combined rate is 8.85%. On a $100 purchase: $100 × 0.0885 = $8.85 total tax.
The calculator uses the latest 2026 tax rate data from the Tax Foundation and SalesTaxHandbook. For each state, it shows:
- State Tax Rate: The base rate set by the state government.
- Local Tax Rate: The average local rate (county + city + special districts).
- Combined Rate: The total rate applied to your purchase.
- Tax Amount: The actual dollar amount of tax you'll pay.
You can also override the local rate to calculate taxes for a specific city or county.
Why Use This State Sales Tax Calculator?
- All 50 States: Includes sales tax data for every US state plus Washington D.C.
- 2026 Rates: Updated with the latest state and local tax rates for 2026.
- Custom Local Rates: Override the average local rate for precise calculations.
- Visual Breakdown: A doughnut chart shows the proportion of state vs. local tax.
- Free & Private: No registration, no data storage.
Understanding Sales Tax in 2026
- No State Sales Tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon.
- Highest State Rates: California (7.25%), Indiana (7%), Mississippi (7%), Rhode Island (7%), Tennessee (7%).
- Highest Combined Rates: Louisiana (10.11%), Tennessee (9.61%), Washington (9.51%), Arkansas (9.46%), Alabama (9.46%).
- Local Tax Variations: Local rates can vary significantly within a state , some counties have no local tax, while others add 5% or more.
❓ State Sales Tax Calculator FAQ
What is sales tax?
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by state and local governments on the sale of goods and services. It is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price.
Which states have no sales tax?
Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. However, some of these states allow local sales taxes (Alaska has local taxes in some areas).
What is the highest sales tax rate in the US?
The highest average combined state and local sales tax rate is in Louisiana at 10.11%, followed by Tennessee (9.61%), Washington (9.51%), Arkansas (9.46%), and Alabama (9.46%).
What is the difference between state and local sales tax?
State sales tax is set by the state government and applies uniformly across the state. Local sales tax is set by counties, cities, or special districts and varies by location within a state.
How do I calculate sales tax on a purchase?
Multiply the purchase amount by the combined sales tax rate (state rate + local rate). For example, $100 at 8.85% = $8.85 in tax. This calculator does the math for you.
What is the sales tax rate in California?
California has a state sales tax rate of 7.25%. With local taxes, the combined rate averages 8.85%.
What is the sales tax rate in New York?
New York has a state sales tax rate of 4%. Local rates in New York City and other areas can push the combined rate to 8.875% or higher.
What is the sales tax rate in Texas?
Texas has a state sales tax rate of 6.25%. Local rates vary by city and county, with the combined rate typically ranging from 6.25% to 8.25%.
What is the sales tax rate in Florida?
Florida has a state sales tax rate of 6%. Local rates can add up to 2.5%, making the combined rate up to 8.5% in some areas.
How are local sales tax rates determined?
Local sales tax rates are set by county and city governments. They can vary significantly even within the same state. This calculator uses average local rates, but you can override them for precise calculations.
Are groceries taxed?
Most states exempt groceries from sales tax or tax them at a reduced rate. However, some states tax groceries fully. This calculator applies to general merchandise and taxable goods.
What is use tax?
Use tax is a complementary tax to sales tax, applied to goods purchased outside your state but used within it. It ensures that residents pay the same tax rate regardless of where they buy.
How often do sales tax rates change?
Sales tax rates can change at the start of each year or mid-year. The 2026 rates in this calculator reflect changes effective January 1, 2026, and July 1, 2026.
What is the difference between sales tax and VAT?
Sales tax is a consumption tax applied at the final point of sale in the US. VAT (Value-Added Tax) is a consumption tax applied at each stage of production, used in many other countries. The US does not have a federal VAT.
How do I find the exact sales tax rate for my address?
This calculator provides state-level rates and average local rates. For the exact rate at a specific address, you would need to check with your local tax authority or use a address-specific tax lookup tool.
Is this calculator accurate for 2026?
Yes. The rates in this calculator are based on data from the Tax Foundation and SalesTaxHandbook as of January 1, 2026, with updates for mid-2026 changes.