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Sales Tax Calculator
Add sales tax to a price, or pull it back out of a total.
No national rate — every state (and often city) sets its own
Unlike a VAT, US sales tax isn't a single federal rate. States set their own general sales tax rate (five states charge none at all), and counties, cities and special districts frequently add their own on top — so the rate that actually applies to a purchase can vary block by block. That's why this calculator asks you to enter the local rate yourself rather than assuming one.
Forward and reverse math
Use "Price → total" when you know the sticker price and want the final amount you'll pay at checkout. Use "Total → price" when you only have a receipt total and want to back out how much of it was tax — handy for expense reports or figuring out the pre-tax cost of something.
Not tax advice. Figures use the 2024 federal tax year and are estimates for general education only — every situation is different. Confirm your numbers with a CPA or tax professional, and check the current year's IRS figures, before filing or making financial decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't there a default national sales tax rate?
Because there isn't one — sales tax in the US is set at the state level (and often layered with county, city and special-district rates on top), so the rate that applies depends entirely on where the purchase happens.
Which states have no sales tax?
As of this writing, Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no statewide sales tax (Alaska allows local sales taxes in some areas). Rates and rules can change, so confirm current rules for your location.
How do I find my exact local rate?
Check your state department of revenue's website, or look at a recent receipt from a purchase at your address — the combined state + local rate is usually itemized there.
Can I use this for VAT instead?
Not accurately — VAT (used outside the US) is typically charged at each stage of production and is usually already included in displayed prices, which works differently from US sales tax added at the point of sale.