California sales tax rate (2026)
California's state sales tax is 7,25%. Local taxes add 1,78% on average and up to 5,25%, for an average combined rate of 9,03%, ranking 7 of 50 states (1 = highest). Tax on a $100 purchase is about $9,03.
California sales tax at a glance
| State | California |
|---|---|
| State rate | 7,25% |
| Average local rate | 1,78% |
| Highest local rate | 5,25% |
| Average combined rate | 9,03% |
| Highest combined rate | 12,5% |
| Rank by average combined rate | 7 of 50 |
Rates: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (in force July 1, 2026). Local rates change during the year and differ by address, so check the state revenue department's rate lookup before filing a return. Source
Sales tax on common prices in California
| Price | Tax at 9,03% | Total | State tax only (7,25%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,00 | $0,90 | $10,90 | $0,73 |
| $39,99 | $3,61 | $43,60 | $2,90 |
| $100,00 | $9,03 | $109,03 | $7,25 |
| $500,00 | $45,15 | $545,15 | $36,25 |
| $1.000,00 | $90,30 | $1.090,30 | $72,50 |
| $25.000,00 | $2.257,50 | $27.257,50 | $1.812,50 |
Removing California sales tax from a total
Tax is a percentage of the price before tax, so divide the total by 1 plus the rate. A $100,00 receipt at the average combined rate of 9,03% is $100,00 ÷ 1,0903 = $91,72 before tax; the tax was $8,28.
What's different in California
The 7.25% statewide rate already includes a 1.25% local share charged everywhere. District taxes approved by cities and counties add up to 5.25% more, so rates can differ between neighboring towns. Use the CDTFA rate lookup for an exact address.
California vs neighboring states
Average combined rates in the states that border California. Buying across the border does not avoid tax on items you bring home: you owe use tax at your home state's rate.
Häufige Fragen
What is the sales tax rate in California?
The state rate is 7,25%. Counties, cities and special districts add their own taxes: 1,78% on average and up to 5,25%, so most purchases are taxed at 7,25% to 12,5%, 9,03% on average.
How much is the sales tax on $100 in California?
At the average combined rate of 9,03%, tax on $100 is $9,03 and the total $109,03. With the state rate alone (7,25%), it is $7,25; at the highest combined rate (12,5%), $12,50.
How do I calculate California sales tax backwards?
Divide the total by 1 plus the rate. At 9,03%, a $100,00 total is $100,00 ÷ 1,0903 = $91,72 before tax, so the tax was $8,28. The calculator's Remove tax mode does this for any total.
Do I have to pay use tax in California?
Yes. If you buy a taxable item without paying California sales tax, for example from an out-of-state seller that does not collect it, you owe California use tax at the same rate. Most large online sellers and marketplaces now collect California tax at checkout.