California sales tax rates and estimate (2026)
California's state sales tax rate is 7.25%, and about 8.99% combined with average local taxes. Enter an amount for an estimate based on that average.
Pre-filled with California's 2026 population-weighted combined average. This is not a ZIP, city, county or address lookup. Replace it only if you already know the applicable local rate. Estimate only, not tax advice.
California sales tax rate
California charges a statewide sales tax of 7.25%. Cities, counties and special districts can add their own local sales taxes on top, which brings the population-weighted average combined rate to about 8.99% in 2026. Because local rates differ from place to place, the exact rate at a given address may be higher or lower than the average.
How to calculate California sales tax
Multiply the price by the rate: sales tax = price × rate ÷ 100, then add it to the price for the total. For a $100 purchase at the combined 8.99% rate, the tax is $8.99 and the total is $108.99. Use the calculator above for any amount, and swap in your local rate if you know it.
| State rate | 7.25% |
|---|---|
| Combined avg (state + local) | 8.99% |
Rates as of January 1, 2026 (source: Tax Foundation). Verify the current rate with the relevant California state or local tax authority before invoicing or filing.
Last reviewed October 20, 2026 by the CedarBill Editorial Team. Thresholds and exemptions: Sales Tax Institute, AARP and each state tax authority. See how sources are selected and updated in our methodology.
California sales tax at a glance
| Average combined rate rank | #7 highest of 50 states + DC |
|---|---|
| Average local add-on | 1.74% |
| Groceries | Exempt |
| Clothing | Taxed |
| In-state sourcing | Hybrid (origin + district taxes at destination) |
| Remote-seller threshold | $500,000 in sales |
| Streamlined Sales Tax member | No |
| Tax authority | California Department of Tax and Fee Administration |
What's taxed in California
Groceries (food for home consumption) are exempt from California's state sales tax. Clothing is taxed like any other goods. Whether services are taxable depends on the state and the type of service. If you invoice for services, confirm the rule with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration before adding sales tax.
Selling into California and which rate to charge
Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, a business with no physical presence in California must register and collect its sales tax once sales into the state exceed $500,000. The measurement period (current or previous year, or a rolling 12 months) is set by the state, so check it before you cross the line. California is not a Streamlined Sales Tax member, so out-of-state sellers register directly with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
California uses a hybrid approach: state, county and city taxes follow the seller's location, while voter-approved district taxes follow the delivery address.
Good to know about California
California's 7.25% base rate already includes a uniform local share. Voter-approved district taxes stack on top and are sourced to the delivery address, which pushes some cities above 10%.
California vs. neighboring states
Among California's neighbors, Oregon has the lowest average combined rate (0%) and Arizona the highest (8.52%). Rates matter when you ship across state lines: the buyer's state decides the tax.
| State | State rate | Combined avg |
|---|---|---|
| California | 7.25% | 8.99% |
| Arizona | 5.6% | 8.52% |
| Nevada | 6.85% | 8.24% |
| Oregon | 0% | 0% |
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Create a free invoiceFrequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in California?
California's statewide sales tax rate is 7.25%. With average local taxes added, the combined rate is about 8.99% (as of 2026). Your exact rate depends on the city or county.
How do I calculate sales tax in California?
Multiply the purchase price by the tax rate. For example, on a $100 purchase at 8.99%, the sales tax is $8.99 and the total is $108.99. The calculator above does it for any amount.
Why is my California sales tax different from the rate shown?
Local city, county and special-district taxes vary by address, product and sometimes transaction type. The figure shown is a statewide average reference, not an exact local lookup.
Do I have to collect California sales tax if my business is in another state?
Only once you have nexus. Without a physical presence, California requires remote sellers to collect once sales into the state exceed $500,000. Below that threshold you generally don't collect California sales tax.
Are groceries taxed in California?
Groceries (food for home consumption) are exempt from California's state sales tax.