Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate standard point-of-sale sales tax, taxable versus exempt subtotals, shipping taxation, and total checkout purchase costs.
Sales Tax Breakdown
Sales Tax Calculation Formula
Taxable Subtotal = (Pre-Tax Price − Exemptions) + Taxable Shipping | Sales Tax = Taxable Subtotal × (Sales Tax Rate % ÷ 100) | Total Cost = Pre-Tax Price + Shipping + Sales Tax- Pre-Tax Price: The quoted sticker price of goods before mandatory government excise and sales taxes.
- Exemptions: Statutory tax-exempt items such as groceries, prescription medicine, or qualifying wholesale purchases.
- Taxable Shipping: In many US states, freight and delivery charges are subject to statutory sales tax when goods are taxable.
- Combined Tax Rate: Sum of state-level statutory rate, county rate, city rate, and special transit district surcharges.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
How to Use This Calculator
Assumptions & Limitations
- Sales tax is applied at the point of sale based on destination sourcing rules for online delivery in most states.
- Exemptions must comply with state Department of Revenue statutory categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do state and local sales tax rates combine?
Most US states establish a base state sales tax (e.g., 4% to 7.25%), while counties, municipalities, and special transportation districts add local surcharges, creating combined rates ranging from 0% in non-sales-tax states to over 10% in high-tax jurisdictions.
Is shipping taxable in the United States?
It depends on state law. In states like California, Florida, and Texas, delivery fees may be exempt if separately stated and shipped via common carrier, while in states like New York and Pennsylvania, shipping on taxable items is generally fully taxable.
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