Sales tax calculator: Find rates in your area

Easily calculates sales tax rates in your state with our free tool. Simply plug in your business address and ZIP code to reveal your total estimated tax rate. 

Total sales tax rates are the sum of state sales tax rates plus local sales tax rates, which may include city, county, and/or district rates. Please note:

• Since the amount of sales tax can vary within the same ZIP code, we recommend entering a full street address to calculate your total tax amount as accurately as possible. 
• Sales tax rates can change over time—the calculator provides estimates based on current available rates.
• You can access state-specific sales tax resources below

With QuickBooks, sales tax rates are calculated automatically for each transaction, saving you time so you can focus on your business. Check out flexible QuickBooks sales tax software for your business to track sales, sales tax, and cash flow.

Sales tax is a tax that is paid to a tax authority for the sale of goods and services. Sales taxes can also be referred to as retail, excise, or privilege taxes, depending on the state. Sales tax is paid by the buyer and is collected by the seller. The seller has the obligation to remit the tax to the proper tax agency within a prescribed period.

Sales tax provides a state or local government with funds for public services. Some examples include improving education, building and maintaining infrastructures (like roads, parks, and government-owned buildings), and hiring firefighters or police officers.

If you charge sales tax for your products or services, you don't have to worry about calculating sales tax rate yourself. To use the calculator above and for the most accurate data, have your business address ready, including the street address and ZIP code.

The consumer bears this additional cost, but as a business owner, you are responsible for collecting this pass-through tax and forwarding it to the required taxation authority on a regular basis. 

A business is liable for remitting sales tax in any tax jurisdiction in which it has nexus.

The consumer bears this additional cost, but as a business owner, you are responsible for collecting this pass-through tax and forwarding it to the required taxation authority on a regular basis. 

A business is liable for remitting sales tax in any tax jurisdiction in which it has nexus.

Do I have to collect sales tax?

Sales taxes are required in all states that impose them. As a buyer, if a seller fails to charge you a sales tax, you’re not required to pay the sales tax. As a seller, if you fail to collect and/or pay a sales tax, and the tax authority determines it’s due, the authority will assess penalties and interest. They can ultimately take assets or put liens on them, which can have negative effects on your credit.

What is my sales tax rate?

Your sales tax rate is dependent on the state you’re running your business in. With your ZIP code on hand, use the calculator above to determine your sales tax rate.

Are sales taxes the same in every state?

Sales tax rates vary depending on the state and are based largely on the income of its residents. For example, Hawaii has a rate of 4.44%, while Tennessee has a rate as high as 9.55%. 

Additionally, there are several states that do not have any sales tax, including: 

• Alaska
• Delaware
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• Oregon

Are any goods or services exempt from sales taxes?

Typically, sales tax does not apply to groceries. Sales tax is also usually not applicable to businesses that purchase services or goods while running their business. Additionally, services themselves are not subject to sales tax, with a few exceptions depending on the state and what they offer.  

What is use tax?

Use tax is a tax on goods or services purchased outside of a buyer’s home state and/or that they didn’t pay sales tax on. The buyer pays this tax to the tax authority, usually on a state income tax return. Sales tax and use tax rates are generally the same, and are based on the location where the item was consumed or “used.”