Sales Tax Calculator by State
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the NexusFlag Research Team
Enter a purchase amount and select a state to estimate the sales tax. This tool shows the state base rate, average local rate, and combined estimated rate for all 45 sales-tax states and the District of Columbia.
45
states with a statewide sales tax
9.548%
Tennessee — highest average combined rate in the US
5
states with no statewide sales tax
Estimate your sales tax
Uses the state base rate plus the average local rate for that state. Actual rates vary by city and county — see the state DOR for exact rates by address.
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Sales tax rates by state — 2026 reference
Sorted by maximum combined rate (state + highest local), descending. Tennessee has the highest average combined sales tax rate in the United States at approximately 9.548%. Louisiana follows at approximately 9.57% maximum. Rates effective as of April 2026.
| State | State Rate | Avg Local | Max Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 4.45% | ~5.12% | 11.95% |
| Missouri | 4.225% | ~3.93% | 11.75% |
| Arkansas | 6.5% | ~2.95% | 11.5% |
| Oklahoma | 4.5% | ~4.47% | 11.5% |
| Arizona | 5.6% | ~2.78% | 11.33% |
| Alabama | 4% | ~5.22% | 11.25% |
| Illinois | 6.25% | ~2.53% | 11.25% |
| Colorado | 2.9% | ~4.82% | 11.2% |
| California | 7.25% | ~1.57% | 10.75% |
| Washington | 6.5% | ~2.73% | 10.75% |
| Kansas | 6.5% | ~2.35% | 10.65% |
| Minnesota | 6.875% | ~0.52% | 9.875% |
| Tennessee | 7% | ~2.55% | 9.748% |
| New Mexico | 5.125% | ~2.46% | 9.438% |
| Georgia | 4% | ~3.21% | 9% |
| Idaho | 6% | ~0.03% | 9% |
| South Carolina | 6% | ~1.22% | 9% |
| Utah | 6.1% | ~1.91% | 9% |
| New York | 4% | ~4.52% | 8.875% |
| Florida | 6% | ~1.01% | 8.5% |
| North Dakota | 5% | ~1.76% | 8.5% |
| Nevada | 6.85% | ~1.32% | 8.25% |
| Texas | 6.25% | ~1.9% | 8.25% |
| Mississippi | 7% | ~0.07% | 8% |
| Ohio | 5.75% | ~1.39% | 8% |
| Pennsylvania | 6% | ~0.34% | 8% |
| Nebraska | 5.5% | ~1.37% | 7.5% |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | ~2.21% | 7.5% |
| South Dakota | 4.6% | ~1.83% | 7.5% |
| Indiana | 7% | — | 7% |
| Iowa | 6% | ~0.94% | 7% |
| Rhode Island | 7% | — | 7% |
| Vermont | 6% | ~0.18% | 7% |
| Virginia | 5.3% | ~0.27% | 7% |
| West Virginia | 6% | ~0.03% | 7% |
| New Jersey | 6.625% | — | 6.625% |
| Wisconsin | 5% | ~0.43% | 6.5% |
| Connecticut | 6.35% | — | 6.35% |
| Massachusetts | 6.25% | — | 6.25% |
| District of Columbia | 6% | — | 6% |
| Kentucky | 6% | — | 6% |
| Maryland | 6% | — | 6% |
| Michigan | 6% | — | 6% |
| Wyoming | 4% | ~1.34% | 6% |
| Maine | 5.5% | — | 5.5% |
| Hawaii | 4% | ~0.44% | 4.5% |
Source: Tax Foundation 2026 State & Local Sales Tax Rates. Maximum combined rates represent the highest rate possible in that state; not all locations charge the maximum. Average local rates are population-weighted averages.
Frequently asked questions about sales tax rates
How is sales tax calculated?
Sales tax is calculated by multiplying the purchase price by the applicable tax rate. For example, a $100 purchase in California at the state base rate of 7.25% results in $7.25 in tax and a $107.25 total. Most states also allow cities and counties to add local rates on top of the state rate, so the actual rate paid depends on the buyer's specific location.
What is the highest sales tax rate in the US?
Tennessee has the highest average combined sales tax rate in the United States at approximately 9.548%. The maximum combined rate in Louisiana reaches approximately 11.95% in some parishes. Alabama and Arkansas also have combined rates exceeding 11% in their highest-rate localities.
Does sales tax vary by city?
Yes — in most states, the final sales tax rate varies by city and county because local jurisdictions can add their own rates on top of the state base rate. California's state rate is 7.25%, but Los Angeles County adds 2.25% for a combined rate of 9.5% or higher in many parts of the county. States like Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Rhode Island have no local sales taxes — the statewide rate is uniform.
Which states have no sales tax?
Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. Alaska allows municipalities to impose local sales taxes up to 7.5%. Montana permits Resort Taxes in certain resort communities. New Hampshire levies a Meals & Rooms Tax on restaurants and hotels. Delaware and Oregon have no sales tax of any kind.
Is this calculator accurate for my specific city?
This calculator estimates the combined rate using the state base rate plus the population-weighted average local rate for that state. It is a useful starting point for estimates, but the actual rate at a specific street address can be higher or lower. For billing customers accurately, use the state Department of Revenue's address lookup tool or sales tax software that looks up rates by zip code.
Do I need to collect sales tax in every state where I sell?
No — you only collect sales tax in states where you have nexus. Nexus is typically triggered by exceeding the state's economic nexus threshold (usually $100,000 in annual sales or 200 transactions). If you have not crossed the threshold in a state, you are not required to collect sales tax there even if customers are in that state.
Disclaimer: NexusFlag provides sales tax rate estimates for informational purposes only — not tax advice. State and local tax rates change frequently. Rates shown use the state base rate plus the population-weighted average local rate for that state; actual rates vary by specific location. Always verify rates with the state Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional before billing customers.