Alabama · Sales Tax
The Alabama state sales tax rate is 4.0%. On a $100 purchase, the tax is $4.00, for a total of $104.00.
| Alabama Sales Tax | Rate | On $100 | On $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| State base rate | 4.0% | $4.00 | $40.00 |
| Maximum combined | 13.5% | $13.50 | $135.00 |
| Pre-tax from $108.50 total | — | ÷1.0400 |
The state base sales tax rate in Alabama is 4.0%. Birmingham adds 6%, making combined rate 10%; some rural areas add 9%. The maximum combined rate (state plus highest local) reaches 13.5%.
Multiply the pre-tax price by 0.0400 (the decimal form of 4.0%). For example, a $250 purchase has a Alabama state sales tax of $10.00, for a total of $260.00. To reverse-calculate: if you have the total and want the pre-tax price, divide the total by 1.0400.
Food and grocery tax rules vary by state. In Alabama, the standard rate of 4.0% applies, though some states exempt grocery staples. Check the Alabama Department of Revenue for specific grocery exemption rules.
The Alabama state rate of 4.0% is below the national median of approximately 6.0%. Combined with local rates, the effective rate in Alabama ranges from 4.0% to 13.5%.