Work out the sales tax before you reach the checkout. Calculate the final price, back out a pre-tax price, or find the effective tax rate from a receipt. Add optional local tax rates for a more detailed estimate.
Three calculation modes • Optional local tax breakdown • Tax and final price shown clearlyTax breakdown
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How to use the sales tax calculator
Select the value you want to calculate. Enter the other known values: pre-tax price, tax rate, or final price. In final-price mode, enter a per-item price and quantity. Turn on local rates to enter county and city rates separately; those are added to the base rate. Choose the tax-exempt checkbox to model a purchase with no sales tax.
Sales tax and final price
For a taxable purchase, tax is calculated as the taxable purchase total multiplied by the combined tax rate. Add the tax to the pre-tax total to get the final amount. To work backward from the final amount, divide it by one plus the tax rate expressed as a decimal.
What is included in local tax?
Some jurisdictions add county, city, district, or other local rates to a base rate. Enter the rates that apply to your specific purchase. This calculator does not look up local rates or decide whether an item is taxable.
Questions and limitations
Is this a tax rate lookup tool?
No. Rates and exemptions vary by location and product, and they can change. Verify the current combined rate with the relevant tax authority or seller.
Can I use this for VAT or GST?
You can use the arithmetic to estimate tax added to a price or included in a price. VAT and GST rules differ by country and may involve rules beyond this simple calculation.
Does the currency selection convert the amount?
No. It changes display formatting only. Enter all prices in the same currency.
Why can a receipt differ by a cent?
Sellers may round tax per item or per invoice. This calculator applies the combined rate to the purchase total before displaying the currency amount, so a receipt can differ slightly.
Results are estimates for general information. Confirm the tax rate and taxable amount for your purchase with the applicable tax authority.