A combined rate is the sum of state baseline sales taxes plus local county, city, and special transit district taxes applied to a purchase.

Many states exempt unprepared groceries from state sales tax or tax them at a reduced rate, though local municipal taxes may still apply.

Yes, prescription medications are fully exempt from retail sales tax in almost all U.S. states.

Use tax is a self-reported tax owed on goods purchased out-of-state (or online) where no sales tax was charged, typically paid with your state income tax return.

Online retailers must collect sales tax based on the delivery address if they have a physical presence or meet economic thresholds in your state.

A temporary period where states waive sales taxes on specific items like school supplies, clothing, and energy-efficient appliances up to set spending limits.

Sales tax primarily applies to tangible personal property, but states are increasingly taxing services like professional repair, landscaping, or digital streaming.

Businesses can present a resale certificate to suppliers, which allows them to purchase inventory tax-free because sales tax will be collected when sold to the final consumer.

Yes, most states grant sales tax exemptions to registered 501(c)(3) charities, schools, and religious institutions when purchasing goods for organizational use.

Tennessee and Louisiana consistently rank among the highest, with average combined state and local sales tax rates exceeding 9.5%.