How US sales tax works
Unlike VAT, US sales tax is added at checkout, not included in the shelf price. The rate is a combination of state, county and city taxes, so two stores a few miles apart can charge different totals.
States with no sales tax
Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no statewide sales tax (Alaska allows local taxes). Everywhere else, combined rates typically run 4%–10%.
Online orders and use tax
Since the 2018 Wayfair ruling, most online retailers charge sales tax based on your shipping address, not the seller’s location — so the rate you owe follows where the item is delivered. If a seller doesn’t collect it, many states still expect you to pay the equivalent use tax on out-of-state purchases when you file your return. Either way, enter your local delivery rate above to check the total is correct.