How to use
- Choose your state. The average combined rate is filled in; override it or look up your ZIP code.
- Enter the price. The tax and total appear instantly.
- Switch to "tax included" to find the pre-tax price and tax inside a total.
Worked example: $249.99 in Texas
Texas has a 6.25% state rate and local rates up to 2%, for an average combined 8.20%. Tax on $249.99 at 8.20% is $20.50, total $270.49.
Reverse: a $270.49 receipt at 8.20% contains $250.00 pre-tax (270.49 ÷ 1.082) and $20.49 tax. The cent difference is normal rounding.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the rates come from?
Statewide rates and population-weighted average local rates from the Tax Foundation midyear 2026 tables, with a verified-on date shown. Your exact rate depends on the city and county.
How does the ZIP lookup work?
It asks the free SalesTaxZip service for the combined rate of that ZIP, straight from your browser, and caches it for 30 days. ZIP codes do not always match tax districts exactly.
Which states have no sales tax?
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. Alaska allows local sales taxes.
How is reverse sales tax calculated?
Pre-tax = total ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100). Tax = total − pre-tax.
Is tax rounded per item or on the total?
It varies by state; each state page states the usual practice. This calculator rounds the tax once on the amount you enter.
Does it handle tax-exempt items?
Enter only the taxable portion of your purchase. Groceries and clothing exemptions vary by state.