How to use the sales tax calculator
- Choose add tax to pre-tax price or split tax-included total.
- Enter amount and tax rate (%).
- Read total, pre-tax, and tax components.
- Presets; pair with the tip calculator for gratuity separately.
Two modes
Add mode from shelf price; extract mode from receipt total when tax is embedded.
Rate and rounding
Enter your combined local rate—no ZIP lookup. May differ by a cent from register rounding.
VAT and online tax
Same percent math; confirm inclusive vs exclusive amounts. Use the rate you actually pay online.
Frequently asked questions
Add tax vs extract tax?
Add tax: enter pre-tax price, get tax and total. Extract: enter tax-included total, split pre-tax and tax.
Enter local sales tax?
Yes—enter your combined state/local percent if you know it. No ZIP lookup here.
Tax-exempt items?
Use 0% for exempt items; mixed receipts may need line-by-line math elsewhere.
Related to tip calculator?
Tip tools handle gratuity; this page is sales tax only.
Rounding rules?
Display uses floating math—may differ by a cent from register rounding.
Multi-state online tax?
Use the rate you actually pay—the tool does not determine nexus rules.
Can I use this for VAT?
Same math for percent add/split, but VAT rules vary—confirm whether your amount is inclusive or exclusive.
Can I share this scenario with someone?
Yes. Copy link below the form keeps your current inputs so you can share the scenario or save it for later.