State Sales Tax by ZIP Calculator
Sales tax in the United States is a combination of a state-level rate and any local rates imposed by the city, county, or special district where the purchase occurs. The combined rate varies by ZIP code and can range from 0% in states with no sales tax (such as Oregon and Montana) to over 10% in some localities. Enter your purchase amount and the combined rate for your location to calculate the exact tax due and the total price you will pay. To find your current combined rate, visit your state's Department of Revenue website or the Tax Foundation's state sales tax rate tables.
Sales tax formula
Tax = Purchase Amount x (Combined Rate / 100)
Total = Purchase Amount + Tax
The combined rate is the sum of the state sales tax rate and all applicable local rates (city, county, and special district). Multiply the pre-tax purchase amount by this combined rate to get the dollar amount of tax owed.
How state and local sales tax works
Every US state except Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon levies a statewide sales tax. Alaska has no state sales tax but allows local jurisdictions to impose their own. On top of the state rate, thousands of local governments add their own rates. The result is that two stores a few miles apart can charge different effective tax rates if they are in different taxing jurisdictions.
When you make a purchase, the seller is required to collect the tax at the rate applicable to the point of sale (the store's location, not your home address, for in-person purchases). For online purchases, economic nexus rules determine which state's rate applies.
Sales tax FAQ
What is the difference between state and local sales tax?
State sales tax is a uniform rate set by the state legislature and applies statewide. Local sales tax is an additional rate set by cities, counties, or special districts and layered on top of the state rate. The combined rate is the sum of both.
How do I find the combined sales tax rate for my ZIP code?
The authoritative source for combined state and local sales tax rates is your state's Department of Revenue website. Many states publish ZIP-code-level rate tables. The IRS also publishes guidance, and the Tax Foundation provides compiled state rate data.
Does sales tax apply to all purchases?
No. Most states exempt groceries, prescription drugs, and certain medical equipment from sales tax. The exact exemptions vary by state. Check your state Department of Revenue for a full list of taxable and exempt items.
Who is responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax?
The seller is legally required to collect sales tax from buyers and remit it to the state. If a seller does not collect tax (for example, an out-of-state online retailer), the buyer may owe use tax to their home state instead.
How often do sales tax rates change?
Rates can change when state legislatures amend the tax code or when local jurisdictions vote to add or change local taxes. Always verify the current rate with your state Department of Revenue before filing or making large purchases.
Official sources
- IRS: IRS.gov - general tax guidance.
- Tax Foundation: State and Local Sales Tax Rates.
- Your state Department of Revenue (search "[state] Department of Revenue sales tax rates").
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.