Sales Tax Calculator

Calculate sales tax, GST, VAT amounts for purchases. Supports multiple tax types, jurisdictions, and provides detailed tax breakdowns.

Calculate Sales Tax

Enter purchase details and tax information

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Calculate total price including tax

Tax Calculation

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Understanding Sales Tax & GST

Sales Tax

Applied at point of sale in the US. Rates vary by state, county, and city. Businesses collect and remit to authorities.

GST

Goods and Services Tax used in Canada, Australia, India, and others. Single comprehensive tax on most goods and services.

VAT

Value Added Tax used in EU and many countries. Applied at each stage of production and distribution chain.

Exemptions

Many jurisdictions exempt essential items like food, medicine, and educational materials from sales tax or apply reduced rates.

Sales Tax FAQs

What's the difference between sales tax and VAT/GST?

Sales tax is applied only at the final sale to consumers, while VAT/GST is applied at each stage of production. Businesses can claim back VAT/GST paid on inputs.

How do I calculate sales tax backwards from total?

Use the reverse calculation method: Original Price = Total Price ÷ (1 + Tax Rate). For example, $107.25 total with 7.25% tax = $107.25 ÷ 1.0725 = $100.

Are online purchases subject to sales tax?

Yes, most online purchases are subject to sales tax based on the buyer's location. Rules vary by jurisdiction and business size thresholds.

What items are typically tax-exempt?

Common exemptions include groceries, prescription drugs, clothing (in some states), educational materials, and purchases by non-profit organizations.

How often do tax rates change?

Tax rates can change annually or even more frequently. Always check current rates with local tax authorities for accurate calculations.