Sales Tax Calculator

Calculate the total cost of any purchase including state and local taxes

What is this? This calculator adds sales tax to any purchase price and shows the total cost. It includes common state tax rates so you can quickly estimate what you'll actually pay — useful for budgeting, pricing products, or comparing costs across different jurisdictions.

Who it's for: Shoppers budgeting for big purchases, business owners setting prices, or anyone curious what something really costs after tax.
Purchase Details
Tax Breakdown
Subtotal
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before tax
State Tax
—
—
Local Tax
—
—
Total Tax
—
—
Grand Total
—
what you pay
Effective Tax Rate
—
combined rate

Estimates only. Actual tax rates vary by jurisdiction and item category. Some items are tax-exempt. Consult a tax professional.

Sales Tax Compliance Tools

Calculate, collect, and remit sales tax correctly. These tools automate sales tax compliance for businesses.

FreeTaxUSA →
50% of purchase — sales tax filing for businesses, form 1120, 1065, 1040
Avalara →
Sales tax automation — real-time rate calculation, filing, compliance in all 50 states
TaxJar →
Sales tax auto-filing — connects to Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon

We may earn a commission if you click above. Calculator is free to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sales tax nexus?

Nexus means you have enough presence in a state to be required to collect sales tax there. This includes having employees, inventory, or significant sales in the state. Since South Dakota v. Wayfair (2018), even economic nexus (over $100K in sales or 200 transactions) triggers collection requirements.

How do I know what rate to charge?

Tax rates vary by state, county, city, and special district. Use a service like Avalara or TaxJar to get the exact rate for each transaction based on ship-to address.

Are digital products taxable?

It depends on the state. Most states tax digital goods like downloaded music or e-books the same as physical goods. Some states (NY, NJ) have special rules. Always verify with your state's DOR.

Do I need a permit to collect sales tax?

Yes. Most states require a seller's permit or resale certificate before collecting tax. Apply through your state's Department of Revenue website — usually free and takes a few days.

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