Sales Tax Calculator: Add or Reverse Tax

Use this sales tax calculator two ways: forward to add state and local tax to any pre-tax amount, or reverse to extract sales tax from a total receipt.

Mode

Pre-tax amount

State sales tax rate

Local / county ratecity + county added

Calculate for a specific stateoptional — auto-fills the state rate above

Or calculate for a specific cityoptional — auto-fills both state and local rates

Pre-tax amount$0.00

Tax amount$0.00

Total with tax$0.00

Combined rate0.00%

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How this calculator works

U.S. sales tax is the sum of state, county, city and special district rates. Combined rates range from 0% (Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon) to ~10%+ in some Louisiana parishes and Chicago. Forward and reverse calculations are mirror images:

forward: total = price × (1 + rate)
reverse: price = total ÷ (1 + rate)

rate: Combined rate as a decimal — e.g., 6% state + 2.5% local = 8.5% = 0.085
price: Pre-tax (taxable) amount
total: Receipt total including tax

Some categories are tax-exempt in many states — most commonly groceries, prescription drugs and clothing under a price threshold. Verify with your state's Department of Revenue before relying on a number for a large purchase.

Source: Combined state & local sales tax rates — Tax Foundation State & Local Sales Tax Rates, updated annually. State-by-state exemptions — your state's Department of Revenue.

FAQ

How is sales tax calculated?

Multiply the pre-tax price by your combined state plus local tax rate as a decimal. For a $100 item in a city with 6% state and 2.5% local tax: $100 × 0.085 = $8.50 in tax, total $108.50. To reverse from a total, divide by (1 + rate): $108.50 ÷ 1.085 = $100 pre-tax.

How do I use a reverse sales tax calculator?

Set the mode to 'Reverse' and enter the receipt total. The calculator divides by (1 + rate) to back out the pre-tax price, then shows tax = total − pre-tax. Useful for itemizing business expenses where you only know the gross total but need tax separately.

How do I calculate sales tax in Texas?

Texas has a 6.25% state rate plus local rates up to 2%, capped at a combined 8.25% maximum. For a $200 purchase in Houston: $200 × 0.0825 = $16.50 in tax. Vehicle sales tax is a separate flat 6.25% with no local addition.

Which states have no sales tax?

Five states currently have no statewide sales tax: Alaska (some local rates), Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. Alaska does allow individual municipalities to add local sales tax.

Why does the calculator separate state and local rates?

Because most receipts only print the combined rate, but if you're estimating before a purchase you usually only know the state portion. Splitting them lets you start with the well-known state rate and add a local estimate. Tip: the US average local rate is ~1.5%; major metros trend 2–4%.

Are online purchases subject to sales tax?

Yes — since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, virtually all states require online retailers to collect sales tax based on the buyer's location. Marketplace sellers (Amazon third-party, eBay, Etsy) also typically collect on the seller's behalf.

Is sales tax different on cars and groceries?

Often yes. Most states tax vehicles at a separate motor vehicle sales tax rate. Groceries are tax-exempt or reduced-rate in roughly 35 states. Prescription drugs and clothing under a price cap are also commonly exempt. Check your state Department of Revenue.

Sales Tax Calculator: Add or Reverse Tax

How this calculator works

FAQ

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