Sales Tax Calculator
Adjust the inputs below. Results update as you type.
How it works
Tax-inclusive price = net price × (1 + rate). Net price from total = total / (1 + rate). US combined state+local rates range from 0% (Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire) to 10%+ (Louisiana, Tennessee). Some states exempt groceries and prescription drugs. Canada uses GST/HST. When shopping online, nexus rules determine which state's rate applies after the South Dakota v. Wayfair ruling.
Input guidance
- Enter the tax rate that applies to the purchase location and item type.
- Separate taxable from non-taxable portions when a cart mixes both.
- Confirm whether the quoted price is already tax-inclusive.
The formula
Tax = price × tax rate; total = price × (1 + tax rate). To find the pre-tax price from a total, divide: price = total ÷ (1 + tax rate).
Worked example
A $120 item at an 8.25% sales tax rate adds $9.90 in tax for a $129.90 total. Working backward, a $129.90 total ÷ 1.0825 returns the $120 pre-tax price.
More examples to test
- $84.99 purchase at 7.25% sales tax: find tax amount and total due.
- Reverse: total charged $107.50 at 7.5%—back out the pre-tax price.
How to interpret results
Use the result for receipts and budgeting. Marketplace, shipping, and nexus rules can change which rate applies.
When this can be inaccurate
Local district rates, exemptions, and remote-seller rules vary. This is not a tax filing tool.
Change history
- July 2026: Published with local-rate and exemption limitations clarified.
Site-wide corrections also appear on the corrections log.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I remove tax from a total?+
Divide the total by 1 plus the tax rate. For 8%, divide by 1.08 to recover the original pre-tax price.
Why do rates vary so much?+
In the US, sales tax combines state, county, and city rates, so the total varies by exact location — even between neighboring towns.
Is sales tax charged on everything?+
No. Many jurisdictions exempt groceries, prescriptions, or clothing. Rules differ by state, so the effective rate depends on what you buy.
Is sales tax the same everywhere in a state?+
Often no. City and district add-ons can change the combined rate even when the state base rate is fixed.
Can I use this for tax returns?+
No. It estimates a purchase total. Deduction eligibility and filings depend on your records and current tax rules.