How much sales tax will I pay in 2026?
The July 2026 nationwide average combined sales tax rate is 7.53%. Use that benchmark or select any U.S. state, enter a purchase price, and adjust the local component when you know the exact city or county rate.
2026 planning estimate
Purchase details
United States: 7.53% nationwide combined benchmark
sales tax calculator
Quick answer
Sales tax equals the taxable purchase price multiplied by the combined state and local rate. The midyear 2026 nationwide average is 7.53%; state averages range from 0% in four states to 10.13% in Louisiana, while Alaska has no state rate but allows local sales taxes.
Also answers
- sales tax calculator by state
- 2026 sales tax rates
- state and local sales tax calculator
- purchase total with tax
Good fit when
- Comparing state purchase costs
- Checking a receipt estimate
- Planning a large taxable purchase
Have ready
- State
- Pre-tax purchase amount
- Exact or average local rate
Result you get
Estimated sales tax, combined rate, and after-tax purchase total.
How this calculation works
- Starts with the 7.53% nationwide benchmark or the selected state's published combined average.
- When a state is selected, an edited local component is added to that state's general rate.
- Multiplies the pre-tax purchase amount by the combined percentage rate.
Common mistakes and caveats
- Local rates are planning averages unless you replace them with an exact jurisdiction rate.
- Groceries, clothing, medicine, services, vehicles, and other items can use special rates or exemptions.
- The sourcing location for online purchases can affect the applicable rate.
FAQ
Does this calculator include local sales tax?
Yes. It starts with Tax Foundation's population-weighted average local rate for the selected state, and you can replace that rate with the exact city or county rate.
Which states have no statewide sales tax?
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon have no statewide sales tax. Alaska localities may still impose local sales taxes.
Are groceries and clothing always taxed at this rate?
No. Tax bases and exemptions vary by state and product. The calculator estimates a generally taxable purchase and does not determine product taxability.
Can I use an exact local rate?
Yes. Replace the average local rate with the rate for the delivery or purchase location when you have it.
Is the average combined rate the rate everywhere in a state?
No. It is a population-weighted planning average. Actual city, county, district, and product-specific rates can differ.
Last updated & sources
Last updated September 7, 2026.
Use an address-level rate for the final check
The state comparison rate is useful for a first estimate, but city, county, transit, and special-district rates can change the total. Product rules matter too: groceries, medicine, clothing, services, motor vehicles, and temporary sales-tax holidays may receive different treatment. Confirm the purchase address and product category with the state tax agency before relying on a material estimate.
How to improve this estimate
Look up the combined rate for the destination where the item is delivered, then replace the local average. Check whether the item is taxable and whether a special rate applies. Keep the pre-tax price separate from shipping, fees, trade-ins, and rebates because each state can treat those amounts differently.
TaxGuide Pro provides free state and federal tax calculators for individuals, freelancers, and small businesses.