Know the real price before you pay.
US sales tax isn't shown on the price tag — and it's different in every state. Pick where you're shopping and see the total instantly.
Your total at checkout
Why this is an estimate: Rates combine each state's base sales tax with the average local (city/county) tax as of Jan 1, 2026. Your actual receipt may differ slightly because local rates vary block by block within a state.
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How US sales tax works
Unlike VAT-included pricing common in many countries, most US price tags show the amount before sales tax. That's because sales tax isn't set once by a manufacturer or a national government — it's set locally, by the state, and often layered with an extra rate from the county or city where the sale happens. A retailer with stores nationwide could legally owe a different rate in almost every single location, so the tax is calculated and added at checkout instead of baked into the printed price.
Most states charge a base statewide sales tax rate, and many also allow cities, counties or special districts to add their own local rate on top. The two add together into what's usually called the "combined rate" — this is the number that actually determines how much tax you pay at the register. That's why the same $50 purchase can cost a different final total in Los Angeles than it does in Sacramento, even though both are in California.
Combined rates vary enormously across the country: Louisiana's average combined rate is the highest in the US at just over 10%, while Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon charge no sales tax at all. Alaska has no statewide rate, but some of its cities and boroughs apply their own local tax.
TrueTotal uses each state's average combined rate — sourced from the Tax Foundation — to estimate your total in seconds. Switch to "Budget → Max price" if you'd rather work backward from how much you have to spend.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't sales tax included in US prices?
US retailers are generally required to advertise prices before sales tax because the rate depends on where the sale happens — the buyer's state, county and city — not on the retailer alone. Since one chain can owe a different rate in almost every store, prices are shown pre-tax and the tax is added at checkout.
How is US sales tax calculated?
Sales tax is a percentage of the pre-tax price, charged at the point of sale. Most states set a statewide base rate, and counties or cities can add their own local rate on top, so the combined rate can vary within the same state. TrueTotal multiplies your price by each state's average combined rate to estimate the tax and total.
Which US states have no sales tax?
Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no state or local sales tax at all. Alaska has no statewide sales tax, but some cities and boroughs there charge their own local tax, so totals can still include a small amount of tax.
Will TrueTotal's estimate match my exact receipt?
It will usually be very close, but not always exact. TrueTotal uses each state's average combined state-plus-local rate, while your specific city or county might charge slightly more or less, and certain items — like groceries or clothing in some states — are taxed differently or exempt.
What's the difference between state and local sales tax?
State sales tax is a single rate set by the state government and applies everywhere in that state. Local sales tax is an additional rate that a county, city or special district can add on top, which is why the total rate can differ from one neighborhood to the next within the same state.
Is TrueTotal free to use?
Yes. TrueTotal is free, requires no sign-up, and every calculation runs in your browser — your numbers are never sent to a server.