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Understanding Sales Tax in the US
What is Sales Tax?
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by state and local governments on the sale of goods and services. Unlike many countries that use a national value-added tax (VAT), the United States allows individual states, counties, and cities to set their own sales tax rates, creating a complex patchwork of tax rates across the country.
How Sales Tax Works
State Sales Tax
Most states impose a statewide sales tax rate that applies to all purchases within the state. Rates typically range from 2.9% to 7.25%.
Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon.
Local Sales Tax
Counties, cities, and special districts can add their own sales tax on top of the state rate. This can significantly increase the total tax rate.
Combined state and local rates can exceed 10% in some areas.
Common State Sales Tax Rates
*Base state rates only. Local taxes may apply in addition to these rates.
Sales Tax Exemptions
Many states exempt certain items from sales tax, including:
- •Groceries: Most states don't tax unprepared food items
- •Prescription medications: Generally exempt in all states
- •Clothing: Some states have clothing exemptions or tax holidays
- •Services: Many services are not subject to sales tax