How this calculator works
Choose whether you’re calculating forward (you have a price and want the total after tax) or in reverse (you have a total and want to know the pre-tax price), pick a state to prefill its base rate or enter your own, and enter the amount.
The formula
Forward: tax = price × rate; total = price + tax Reverse: price = total / (1 + rate); tax = total − price
Worked example
A receipt shows a total of $108.25 and you know the tax rate was 8.25%:
- Pre-tax price: $108.25 ÷ 1.0825 = $100.00
- Tax: $108.25 − $100.00 = $8.25
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is my local rate higher than the rate this calculator shows for my state?
This calculator shows each state's base rate only — most states also allow cities and counties to add their own local sales tax on top, which can push the combined rate several points higher. Enter your actual local rate in the rate field to override the state default.
How do I back out the pre-tax price from a receipt total?
Switch to "Total → Pre-tax price" mode, enter the total you paid, and enter the tax rate that applied. The calculator divides the total by (1 + rate) to recover the original price before tax.
Which states have no sales tax?
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon have no state-level sales tax (Alaska allows local sales taxes in some areas, even though the state itself doesn't levy one).
Does this work for calculating tax on a discounted price?
Yes — enter the final, post-discount price as the amount, since sales tax is normally calculated on the price actually charged, not the original list price.
Are groceries and clothing taxed the same as everything else?
Not always — many states exempt groceries, prescription drugs, or clothing from sales tax, or tax them at a reduced rate. This calculator uses each state's general base rate; check your state's tax authority for category-specific exemptions.