The California Sales Tax Calculator (2025) helps you quickly determine the sales tax on a purchase in any city or county in California. You can calculate sales tax by adding it to a pre-tax amount or removing it from a total amount.
California Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax for all counties, cities, and towns in California with accurate rates
Total Amount
Tax Amount
Pre-Tax Amount
Total Tax Rate
Removing Tax: Pre-Tax = Amount ÷ (1 + Tax Rate)
The California Sales Tax Calculator helps you quickly determine the sales tax on a purchase in any city or county in California. You can calculate sales tax by adding it to a pre-tax amount or removing it from a total amount.
When adding sales tax:
- Tax Amount = Pre-Tax Amount × Tax Rate
- Total Amount = Pre-Tax Amount + Tax Amount
When removing sales tax:
- Pre-Tax Amount = Total Amount ÷ (1 + Tax Rate)
- Tax Amount = Total Amount – Pre-Tax Amount
California has a state sales tax rate of 7.25%, with additional local taxes that vary by city and county. This calculator combines both state and local tax rates for accurate calculations.
Adding Sales Tax Example
Let’s say you want to calculate sales tax on a $100 product in Los Angeles with a total tax rate of 9.50% (7.25% state + 2.25% local):
Pre-Tax Amount = $100
Tax Rate = 9.50% or 0.095
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $100 × 0.095 = $9.50
Calculate the total amount:
Total Amount = $100 + $9.50 = $109.50
Removing Sales Tax Example
Now, let’s say you have a total amount of $109.50 and want to calculate the pre-tax amount and tax in Los Angeles:
Total Amount = $109.50
Tax Rate = 9.50% or 0.095
Calculate the pre-tax amount:
Pre-Tax Amount = $109.50 ÷ (1 + 0.095) = $109.50 ÷ 1.095 = $100.00
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $109.50 – $100.00 = $9.50
Different Local Tax Example
In San Francisco, the total tax rate is 8.50% (7.25% state + 1.25% local). Let’s calculate tax on a $100 product:
Pre-Tax Amount = $100
Tax Rate = 8.50% or 0.085
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $100 × 0.085 = $8.50
Calculate the total amount:
Total Amount = $100 + $8.50 = $108.50
California Sales Tax Rates
California has a state sales tax rate of 7.25%, but local jurisdictions can add additional taxes. The total tax rate varies significantly across the state, from 7.25% in areas with no local tax to 10.75% in some cities.
State Rate
Average Local Rate
Maximum Local Rate
Combined Range
Major California Cities and Their Tax Rates
| City | State Tax | Local Tax | Total Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 7.25% | 2.25% | 9.50% |
| San Diego | 7.25% | 2.00% | 9.25% |
| San Jose | 7.25% | 2.25% | 9.50% |
| San Francisco | 7.25% | 1.25% | 8.50% |
| Fresno | 7.25% | 2.50% | 9.75% |
| Sacramento | 7.25% | 2.50% | 9.75% |
| Long Beach | 7.25% | 2.25% | 9.50% |
| Oakland | 7.25% | 3.50% | 10.75% |
| Bakersfield | 7.25% | 2.50% | 9.75% |
| Anaheim | 7.25% | 2.50% | 9.75% |
| Santa Ana | 7.25% | 2.50% | 9.75% |
| Riverside | 7.25% | 2.50% | 9.75% |
| Stockton | 7.25% | 1.00% | 8.25% |
| Chula Vista | 7.25% | 2.00% | 9.25% |
| Irvine | 7.25% | 2.50% | 9.75% |
| San Bernardino | 7.25% | 2.50% | 9.75% |
| Modesto | 7.25% | 1.00% | 8.25% |
| Fontana | 7.25% | 2.50% | 9.75% |
| Moreno Valley | 7.25% | 2.50% | 9.75% |
| Oxnard | 7.25% | 0.50% | 7.75% |
California Sales Tax Exemptions
California provides several exemptions from sales tax for certain types of goods and services. Some common exemptions include:
- Prescription Drugs: All prescription medications are exempt from sales tax
- Food: Most food for human consumption is exempt, except for prepared food and beverages
- Medical Devices: Prosthetics, wheelchairs, and other medical devices
- Farm Equipment: Machinery and equipment used in agricultural production
- Manufacturing Equipment: Equipment used directly in manufacturing
- Solar Energy Systems: Solar panels and related equipment
- Religious and Charitable Organizations: Purchases by qualifying organizations
- Government Agencies: Purchases by federal, state, and local governments
California Sales Tax Holidays
California does not have traditional sales tax holidays like many other states. However, there are specific exemptions that apply year-round:
- Energy Efficient Products: Certain energy-efficient appliances and products may qualify for sales tax exemptions
- Disaster Preparedness: During designated disaster preparedness periods, certain emergency supplies may be exempt
- California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA) Exemptions: Sales of certain clean energy and advanced transportation technologies may be exempt
Note that these exemptions have specific eligibility requirements and may require certification or documentation.
Understanding California Sales Tax
What is California Sales Tax?
California sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by the state and local governments on the sale of goods and certain services. The state rate is 7.25%, with local jurisdictions adding additional taxes that vary by city and county.
Local Tax Variations
Local tax rates in California can range from 0% to 3.5%, depending on the city and county. Some areas have only city tax, some have only county tax, and some have both. The total tax rate is the sum of state and local taxes.
Tax Collection
Sales tax in California is collected by sellers at the point of sale and remitted to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). Sellers must register with the state and obtain a seller’s permit before collecting tax.
Use Tax
California use tax applies when sales tax has not been paid on taxable items purchased outside the state for use in California. The use tax rate is the same as the sales tax rate that would have applied if the purchase was made within the state.
Business Registration
Businesses selling taxable goods or services in California must register for a seller’s permit with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). Registration can be done online through the CDTFA website.
Filing Requirements
Sales tax returns in California are typically filed monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the business’s tax liability. Filing is done through the CDTFA’s online system, and payments are due by the last day of the month following the reporting period.
California Sales Tax for Businesses
Nexus Requirements
Businesses must collect California sales tax if they have nexus in the state. Nexus can be established through physical presence, economic activity, or other connections. California follows economic nexus rules, requiring out-of-state sellers to collect tax if they have more than $500,000 in sales into the state in the previous or current calendar year.
Marketplace Facilitators
Marketplace facilitators like Amazon and eBay are required to collect and remit sales tax on behalf of third-party sellers selling into California. This applies to marketplace facilitators with more than $500,000 in sales into the state.
Exemption Certificates
Businesses purchasing items for resale can provide exemption certificates to sellers to avoid paying sales tax. California has a specific form (Form BOE-230) that must be completed and provided to the seller at the time of purchase.
Shipping and Handling
In California, shipping and handling charges are generally taxable if they are part of the sale of tangible personal property. If the charges are separately stated and related to transportation services, they may be exempt.
Penalties and Interest
California imposes penalties for late filing and late payment of sales tax. The penalty is 10% of the tax due, plus interest at the rate of 0.5% per month. Failure to file or pay can result in additional penalties and legal action.
Tax Calculation Services
Given the complexity of California’s sales tax system with hundreds of different local tax rates, many businesses use automated tax calculation services to ensure accurate collection and remittance of sales tax.