Free Sales Tax Calculator Online
Use this free sales tax calculator online to find the tax amount, total price, or pre-tax price for any purchase — in either tax-exclusive or tax-inclusive mode. Completely free with instant results.
Sales Tax Amount
Enter amount and rate
How This Free Online Sales Tax Calculator Works
This free sales tax calculator supports two common scenarios. In Tax Exclusive mode, you enter the pre-tax price and the tool adds tax on top — this is the standard US retail format where the sticker price does not include tax.
In Tax Inclusive mode, you enter the final price you already paid (which includes sales tax), and the calculator works backward to find the original pre-tax amount and the tax portion. This is useful when you want to understand what you actually paid in tax from a receipt.
The formula for tax-exclusive is straightforward: Tax = Price × Rate. For tax-inclusive, the reverse formula is: Pre-Tax = Total ÷ (1 + Rate).
Quick Formula Reference
Tax Exclusive (Add Tax)
Tax = Pre-Tax Price × (Rate ÷ 100)
$100 × 0.085 = $8.50 tax
Total = $108.50
Tax Inclusive (Back-Calculate)
Pre-Tax = Total ÷ (1 + Rate ÷ 100)
$108.50 ÷ 1.085 = $100.00
Tax = $8.50
Sample State Sales Tax Rates (2024)
Sales tax rates vary widely by state — and within states, cities and counties add their own layers. The rates below are statewide base rates. Your actual sales tax depends on where the purchase takes place. You can calculate online with our free sales tax calculator for any rate.
| State | Base Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | 7.25% | Base rate; local additions up to ~10.75% |
| Texas | 6.25% | Up to 8.25% with local rates |
| New York | 4.00% | NYC combined rate is 8.875% |
| Florida | 6.00% | Counties add 0.5%–2.5% |
| Washington | 6.50% | Up to 10.4% combined |
| Oregon | 0.00% | No sales tax |
| Montana | 0.00% | No sales tax |
| New Hampshire | 0.00% | No sales tax |
Source: Tax Foundation, 2024. Rates change periodically — verify current rates with your state revenue department.
What Is (and Isn't) Subject to Sales Tax
Typically Taxable
- •Clothing and apparel (most states)
- •Electronics, appliances, furniture
- •Prepared food and restaurant meals
- •Vehicles and auto parts
- •Alcohol and tobacco products
Commonly Exempt
- •Unprepared grocery food (many states)
- •Prescription drugs (most states)
- •Medical equipment and devices
- •Agricultural supplies and equipment
- •Sales to nonprofits (with exemption cert.)
Tips for Managing Sales Tax
Know Your Local Rate
Your effective sales tax combines state, county, and city rates. A state rate of 6% might become 9% in certain cities. Search your specific zip code for the exact combined rate.
Use Tax-Free Holidays
Many states offer tax-free weekends for back-to-school shopping, hurricane preparedness supplies, or Energy Star appliances. Plan major purchases around these periods to save on sales tax.
Keep Receipts for Business Purchases
If you are self-employed or run a business, sales tax paid on business-use items may be deductible. Track purchases carefully and consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
Online Purchases Now Include Tax
Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, most major online retailers collect destination-state sales tax. Factor this into price comparisons when shopping online vs. in-store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: This free online sales tax calculator is for informational purposes only. Tax rates, exemptions, and rules vary by state, county, and city and change over time. Always verify the applicable rate with your state or local tax authority before filing or remitting taxes.
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