California · Sales Tax
The California state sales tax rate is 7.25%. On a $100 purchase, the tax is $7.25, for a total of $107.25.
| California Sales Tax | Rate | On $100 | On $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| State base rate | 7.25% | $7.25 | $72.50 |
| Maximum combined | 10.75% | $10.75 | $107.50 |
| Pre-tax from $108.50 total | — | ÷1.0725 |
The state base sales tax rate in California is 7.25%. Los Angeles 10.25%, San Francisco 8.875%, highest statewide base rate in the US. The maximum combined rate (state plus highest local) reaches 10.75%.
Multiply the pre-tax price by 0.0725 (the decimal form of 7.25%). For example, a $250 purchase has a California state sales tax of $18.12, for a total of $268.12. To reverse-calculate: if you have the total and want the pre-tax price, divide the total by 1.0725.
Food and grocery tax rules vary by state. In California, the standard rate of 7.25% applies, though some states exempt grocery staples. Check the California Department of Revenue for specific grocery exemption rules.
The California state rate of 7.25% is above the national median of approximately 6.0%. Combined with local rates, the effective rate in California ranges from 7.25% to 10.75%.