Wisconsin · Sales Tax
The Wisconsin state sales tax rate is 5.0%. On a $100 purchase, the tax is $5.00, for a total of $105.00.
| Wisconsin Sales Tax | Rate | On $100 | On $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| State base rate | 5.0% | $5.00 | $50.00 |
| Maximum combined | 7.9% | $7.90 | $79.00 |
| Pre-tax from $108.50 total | — | ÷1.0500 |
The state base sales tax rate in Wisconsin is 5.0%. Milwaukee County 5.6%; most counties add 0.5%. The maximum combined rate (state plus highest local) reaches 7.9%.
Multiply the pre-tax price by 0.0500 (the decimal form of 5.0%). For example, a $250 purchase has a Wisconsin state sales tax of $12.50, for a total of $262.50. To reverse-calculate: if you have the total and want the pre-tax price, divide the total by 1.0500.
Food and grocery tax rules vary by state. In Wisconsin, the standard rate of 5.0% applies, though some states exempt grocery staples. Check the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for specific grocery exemption rules.
The Wisconsin state rate of 5.0% is close to the national median of approximately 6.0%. Combined with local rates, the effective rate in Wisconsin ranges from 5.0% to 7.9%.