California Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate California state and local sales tax by ZIP code
Calculate Sales Tax
Enter the purchase price (before tax)
Choose whether to add tax or extract tax from the total amount
California Sales Tax Structure
Tax Components
Rate Examples by Region
Example Calculations
Los Angeles Purchase
Amount: $100.00
ZIP Code: 90210
Tax Rate: 9.5%
Sales Tax: $9.50
Total: $109.50
Orange County Purchase
Amount: $500.00
ZIP Code: 92806
Tax Rate: 7.75%
Sales Tax: $38.75
Total: $538.75
San Francisco Purchase
Amount: $1,000.00
ZIP Code: 94102
Tax Rate: 8.75%
Sales Tax: $87.50
Total: $1,087.50
Important Notes
Rates may vary by specific location within ZIP codes
Some items may be exempt from sales tax
Car sales have minimum 7.25% rate statewide
Rates current as of August 2024
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes. Actual rates may vary. Consult official sources for precise calculations.
Understanding California Sales Tax
How California Sales Tax Works
California has a multi-tiered sales tax system with four components: state tax (6%), county tax (0.25%), city/municipal tax (0-2%), and special district tax (1-3.25%).
Tax Components
- •State Tax: 6% applied uniformly across California
- •County Tax: 0.25% mandated county rate
- •City Tax: 0-2% set by local municipalities
- •Special District: 1-3.25% for transit, libraries, etc.
How This Calculator Works
- 1. Enter purchase amount and ZIP code
- 2. Calculator looks up local tax rates
- 3. Combines all applicable tax components
- 4. Calculates total tax and final amount
- 5. Provides detailed breakdown by tax type
Tax Exemptions
- •Groceries and unprepared food
- •Prescription medications
- •Medical devices and prosthetics
- •Some digital products and software