Sticker prices in the United States almost never include sales tax, so the number on the shelf is not the number you pay at the register. This calculator adds the correct tax for your state and locality, and can also reverse the math to reveal the pre-tax price hidden inside a receipt total.
State and local rates stack
Sales tax in the U.S. is layered. Most states set a base statewide rate, and then counties, cities, and special districts add their own local rates on top. That is why two towns in the same state can charge different totals for an identical item. Five states — Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon — have no statewide sales tax at all, though Alaska allows local taxes. For the income side of state taxes, see the paycheck calculator.
Forward and reverse calculations
To add tax, multiply the price by the combined rate and add it back to the original amount. To work backward from a tax-inclusive total, divide the total by one plus the rate. For example, a $130.80 total at a 9% rate came from a $120.00 pre-tax price, because 130.80 ÷ 1.09 = 120.00. Reverse math is handy for expense reports and for separating tax on a lump-sum receipt. For discounts and markups, use the percentage calculator.
What is and isn't taxed
States differ on which goods are taxable. Groceries, prescription drugs, and clothing are commonly exempt or taxed at reduced rates, while prepared food and general merchandise are usually taxed in full. Because rules change and vary by jurisdiction, treat this tool as a fast estimate and confirm unusual purchases against your state's current schedule.
More worked examples
Finding the pre-tax price from a receipt: you paid $545.00 for a purchase in California. Choose Remove tax from a total, select California, and keep the 7.25% state rate with the 1.78% average local rate, a combined 9.03%. The pre-tax price was $499.86 and the sales tax was $45.14.
Adding tax to a price: a $1,299 laptop in Texas at the 6.25% state rate plus the 1.95% average local rate carries $106.52 in tax, for a total of $1,405.52. The state's share is $81.19 and the local share is $25.33.
Checking the local portion: set the local rate to 0 in the same Texas example and the total drops to $1,380.19. If you know your city's exact rate, type it into the local field instead of the state average.
When to use this calculator
Use Add tax to a price to budget for a purchase before you reach the register, or to check a quote. Use Remove tax from a total when you only have a receipt and need the pre-tax amount, for example for an expense report or a return. Because the defaults are statewide averages, overwrite the local rate with your exact city or county rate when it matters.