Our free sales tax calculator instantly computes the sales tax amount and total price for any purchase across all US states and Canadian provinces. With pre-loaded tax rates for every US state and major Canadian provinces, you can quickly find the total cost of any item before you buy.
Sales tax rates in the USA and Canada vary widely by location. In the USA, rates range from 0% in states like Oregon and Montana up to over 9.5% in some areas of Tennessee. In Canada, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) applies on top of provincial taxes. This calculator makes it easy to find the right amount.
🛒 Sales Tax Calculator
🛒 Price Breakdown
How to Use the Sales Tax Calculator
- Enter the pre-tax price of the item or service.
- Either enter a custom tax rate manually, or select your US state or Canadian province from the dropdown to auto-fill the rate.
- Click Calculate Tax to see the tax amount and the total price.
When Should You Use a Sales Tax Calculator?
Use the sales tax calculator when shopping online and comparing prices from different states or provinces. In particular, online retailers may charge different tax rates depending on where you live. Furthermore, business owners use it to ensure they are charging the correct sales tax rate to customers.
Additionally, the sales tax calculator is helpful for budgeting large purchases such as electronics, appliances, furniture, or vehicles. Knowing the exact tax amount before you buy prevents budget surprises. Moreover, small business owners and freelancers can use it to verify sales tax on invoices and receipts.
Sales Tax Facts for the USA and Canada
Sales tax rules can be confusing. Here are the most important things to know:
- Five US states have no sales tax — Oregon, Montana, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Alaska have no statewide sales tax.
- Local taxes add to state rates — Many US cities and counties add local taxes on top of the state rate. For example, New York City’s combined rate exceeds 8.875%.
- Canada uses GST/HST and PST — All provinces charge the federal GST (5%), and some provinces use the HST which combines GST and provincial tax.
- Some items are tax-exempt — Groceries, prescription drugs, and some clothing are exempt from sales tax in many US states and Canadian provinces.
- Online purchases are taxable — US online retailers must collect sales tax in states where they have a certain level of sales.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sales Tax Calculator
What is the sales tax rate in California?
California’s statewide base sales tax rate is 7.25% as of 2024. However, local additions bring the average combined rate to approximately 8.68%. Some areas exceed 10.25%.
What is the difference between GST and HST in Canada?
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is the federal tax of 5% applied in all provinces. HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) combines the federal GST with the provincial sales tax into a single rate, currently 13% in Ontario and 15% in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland.
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Disclaimer: Tax rates shown are approximate and may not include all local or municipal taxes. Always verify rates with your local tax authority for official figures.