California Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax rates for purchases in California cities and counties. Includes state tax (6%) plus local district taxes that vary by location.
Tax Breakdown
Total Cost
Tax Rate Summary
Understanding California Sales Tax
California has one of the highest sales tax rates in the United States. The state tax rate is 6%, but when combined with local district and city taxes, the total rate can exceed 10% in many areas. Sales tax rates vary significantly by location within the state.
California Sales Tax Structure
State Sales Tax
- Uniform 6% rate across the state
- Collected by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)
- Funds education and local government
- Applies to most goods and services
Local Sales Taxes
- County and city additional taxes
- Special district taxes (transportation, etc.)
- Vary by location within counties
- Can add 1-5% to total tax rate
Sales Tax Rates by County
| County | State Tax | Average Local Tax | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 6.00% | 1.75% | 7.75% |
| San Francisco | 6.00% | 1.00% | 7.00% |
| San Diego | 6.00% | 1.00% | 7.00% |
| Orange | 6.00% | 0.50% | 6.50% |
| Alameda | 6.00% | 1.25% | 7.25% |
Tax-Exempt Items
Certain items are exempt from California sales tax. Understanding what is and isn't taxable can help you save money on purchases.
Tax-Exempt Items
- Groceries and unprepared food
- Prescription medications
- Textbooks for college students
- Manufacturing equipment
- Aircraft and vessels
- Some agricultural items
Taxable Items
- Clothing and footwear
- Electronics and appliances
- Furniture and home goods
- Restaurant meals
- Personal care items
- Most services
Special Tax Rules
Clothing Tax Holiday
California offers a tax-free weekend for back-to-school clothing and shoes under $150.
- Typically first weekend in August
- Items under $150 are tax-free
- Does not include accessories
Use Tax
If you buy items out of state for use in California, you may owe use tax.
- Same rate as sales tax
- Due when item is used in CA
- Some states collect it for you
Sales Tax Collection
Businesses with sales over $100,000 must collect and remit sales tax. Smaller businesses may have different requirements.
Business Tax Requirements
Small Sellers
Under $500,000 in sales
May not need to collect tax
Retailers
Over $100,000 in sales
Must collect and remit tax
Marketplace Sellers
Third-party platforms
Collection requirements vary
Local Tax Variations
Sales tax rates can vary significantly within the same county. Cities and special districts can add their own taxes.
| Location | State Tax | County Tax | City Tax | Total Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 6.00% | 0.50% | 1.00% | 7.50% |
| San Francisco | 6.00% | 0.00% | 0.75% | 6.75% |
| Beverly Hills | 6.00% | 0.50% | 1.50% | 8.00% |
Key Takeaways
- California state sales tax is 6%, but local taxes add 0.25-5% more
- Tax rates vary by city and county within California
- Groceries and prescription drugs are generally tax-exempt
- Clothing tax holidays can save money on back-to-school shopping
- Businesses must collect sales tax based on sales volume
- Use tax may apply to out-of-state purchases used in California