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US Sales Tax Calculator
Sales tax in the United States is a patchwork of state and local rates. This calculator helps you estimate tax on a purchase—or reverse a tax-inclusive total—using approximate statewide average rates, with a custom rate field when you know your exact local percentage.
Last reviewed July 30, 2026.
Rates are approximate statewide averages and may differ by city or county. Always verify for official filings.
When to use this
- Checking what a listed price will cost after tax before you buy
- Working backward from a receipt total to the pre-tax amount
- Comparing approximate burdens across states while traveling or shopping online
Worked example
Pre-tax price $49.99 at an 8.25% rate. Tax = $4.12. Total = $54.11. If a receipt shows $108.25 including 8.25% tax, the pre-tax amount is $100.00 and tax is $8.25.
Common mistakes
- Treating a statewide average as your exact city rate (locals often add more)
- Assuming online orders always use your home state’s rate
- Using “add tax” mode on a total that already includes tax
How it works
Add-tax mode: tax = price × (rate ÷ 100), total = price + tax. Tax-included mode: pretax = total ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100), tax = total − pretax. Rates shipped with the tool are approximate combined averages for planning—not official filings.
How to use
- Select your state or enter a custom local rate.
- Choose Add tax or Tax included → pre-tax.
- Enter the dollar amount.
- Read tax, pre-tax, and total.
Related on this site
- Tip & Bill Splitter — Calculate tip, add tax, and split the bill evenly or by shares.
- Discount Calculator — Calculate sale prices and stacked discounts like 20% off then extra 10%.
FAQ
Are these exact local tax rates?
No. They are approximate statewide averages. Cities and counties can differ. Use the custom rate field when you know the precise rate.
Which states have no statewide sales tax?
Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon have no statewide sales tax. Alaska has no statewide rate, though local taxes may apply.
Can I use this for business tax returns?
No. This is a convenience estimate. Use official state resources or accounting software for filings.
Why does reverse tax sometimes show pennies of rounding?
Money is rounded to cents. We round in a consistent way so displayed tax and pre-tax add back to the total you entered.
Is grocery or clothing taxed the same everywhere?
No. Many states exempt or specially rate groceries, clothing, or digital goods. This tool applies a single rate you choose—it does not model exemptions.
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