Tax calculators

California sales tax calculator (United States): calculate sales tax and total price

California sales tax calculator
Estimate CA sales/use tax by city/county rate, tax-included or excluded, with shipping, handling, and discounts.
Results
Taxable subtotal (pre-tax)0,00 US$
Exempt subtotal0,00 US$
Taxable delivery/handling0,00 US$
Sales tax0,00 US$
Grand total0,00 US$
Notes
Combined rate used: 9.750%. Rates vary by city/county and can change.
Rounding is to 2 decimals; receipts may differ by a cent due to per-line rounding.

Examples

Los Angeles taxable purchase
Price $120.00, rate 9.75% → tax $11.70, total $131.70.
Mixed cart with shipping (San Diego)
Taxable $45 + handling $2, rate 7.75% → tax $3.64, total $88.64.
California sales tax is added to many retail purchases of physical goods. The tricky part is that the total rate depends on where the purchase happens (or where it’s delivered), because local district taxes may apply on top of the statewide base rate. The CDTFA publishes both a city/county rate table and an address lookup tool to find the correct combined rate for a specific location. Most tangible personal property (physical items) is taxable. Many grocery food products for human consumption are generally exempt, with exceptions (for example, certain prepared foods). Prescription medicines dispensed on a valid prescription are generally exempt under CDTFA rules. Find the correct combined tax rate for the store/delivery location, multiply the taxable base by that rate, and add the tax to your subtotal (or, if the price includes tax, divide by 1 + rate to separate base and tax). Estimation notice: This is an informational estimate. For legal/accounting use, verify the location rate and product taxability with CDTFA guidance.

FAQs

What’s the minimum sales tax rate in California?

The statewide base rate is 7.25%; many locations are higher due to district taxes.

How do I find my exact local rate?

Use CDTFA’s city/county rate table or the address lookup tool for the most accurate rate.

Is sales tax based on where I buy or where it’s shipped?

For delivered sales into special tax districts, the delivery location rate generally applies.

Are groceries taxed in California?

Most food products for human consumption are generally not taxed, with specific exceptions.

Is prescription medicine taxed?

Prescription medicines dispensed on a valid prescription are generally exempt.

Do I pay sales tax on shipping?

Separately stated delivery by US Mail/common carrier is generally not taxable, but handling is generally taxable.

My checkout says “shipping & handling.” Is that taxable?

Often yes—lumped shipping/handling charges can be taxable under CDTFA guidance.

How do I calculate sales tax when the price already includes tax?

Use: pre-tax price = total ÷ (1 + rate), then tax = total − pre-tax.

Do coupons reduce the taxable amount?

Not always. California distinguishes store discounts from some manufacturer coupons.

Why is my tax off by a cent or two?

Common reasons include per-line rounding and how shipping/handling is labeled.

Note: This calculator provides an estimate. Rates can vary by region and change over time. It is not tax advice.

See more in calculators for United States.

Sources

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