Question 1

How does this sales tax calculator work?

Accepted Answer

You can add sales tax to a pre-tax price to see the total, or extract sales tax from a tax-inclusive total to see the pre-tax price and the tax amount separately.

Question 2

What sales tax rate should I use?

Accepted Answer

Use the combined state + local rate for the place of purchase. Rates vary by city and county — check your state department of revenue for the exact rate.

Question 3

Are groceries and clothing taxed?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the state. Some states exempt groceries, prescription drugs or clothing; others tax them at a reduced rate. This calculator applies a single rate you choose.

Question 4

Does this cover use tax?

Accepted Answer

No. Use tax on out-of-state purchases has the same rate as sales tax in most states, so you can use this calculator, but you must self-report use tax on your state return.

Sales Tax Calculator