State and Local Sales Tax Calculator - Calculate Sales Tax with State, Use and Local Rates

What is a State and Local Sales Tax Calculator?

A State and Local Sales Tax Calculator helps you compute the total sales tax amount and final price when you have separate tax rates for state, use, and local taxes. In the United States, sales tax is assessed by most states, and many localities and municipalities also levy their own additional taxes. This calculator breaks down each tax component so you can see exactly how much goes to each jurisdiction. For general sales tax, check our Sales Tax Calculator and Income Tax Calculator.

How to Calculate State and Local Sales Tax

To calculate sales tax with separate state, use, and local rates, enter the price before tax and the applicable tax percentages. The calculator will compute each tax amount and sum them to give you the total price. A use tax is generally assessed on purchases made by a resident of a taxing state when the purchase is from a non-taxing state.

Sales Tax Formulas

State Tax Amount: Price x (State Tax % / 100)
Use Tax Amount: Price x (Use Tax % / 100)
Local Tax Amount: Price x (Local Tax % / 100)
Total Price: Price + State Tax + Use Tax + Local Tax

Understanding Sales Tax in the United States

In the US, sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by state and local governments on the sale of goods and services. Five states (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon) do not impose a statewide sales tax. However, local municipalities in some of these states may still charge local sales taxes. Rates vary widely, from under 1% in some areas to over 10% in others when combining state and local rates.

What is Use Tax?

Use tax is generally assessed on purchases made by a resident of a state that charges sales tax, when the purchase is made from a state that does not charge sales tax. For example, if you live in a state with sales tax and buy something online from a seller in a state without sales tax, you may owe use tax on that purchase. You will generally calculate either a state or use sales tax but not both.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between state tax and local tax?

State tax is imposed by the state government and applies throughout the state. Local tax is imposed by cities, counties, or other municipalities on top of the state tax. Combined rates can vary significantly even within the same state.

When would I need to pay use tax?

You may need to pay use tax when you purchase items from out-of-state sellers who do not collect your state's sales tax. This commonly occurs with online purchases from retailers that do not have a physical presence in your state.

Are there items exempt from sales tax?

Many states exempt certain categories of items from sales tax, such as groceries, prescription medications, and clothing. Some states also have tax-free weekends for back-to-school shopping. Check with your state's department of revenue for specific exemptions.

How do I find my local sales tax rate?

You can find your combined state and local sales tax rate through your state's department of revenue website. Many states provide lookup tools where you can enter your address to find the exact rate for your location.

Is sales tax calculated on the discounted price?

In most jurisdictions, sales tax is calculated on the final transaction price after all discounts and coupons have been applied. Some states may calculate tax before discounts, so check your local regulations.

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State Local Sales Tax Calculator