California Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate California sales tax on a purchase using a typical combined state and local rate, or enter your exact local rate for your city and county.
Regional Rule Context
United States Rates and Rules
Tax Rates
Exemptions
- -Unprepared grocery food
- -Prescription medicines
Enter Values
Override with your local combined rate from a retailer or tax lookup
Result
Enter values above and click Calculate to see your result.
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California sales tax calculator for 2026. CA has the highest statewide base rate in the US at 7.25%. Combined rates with local district taxes range from 7.25% to 10.75% depending on city and county. Los Angeles ~10.25%, San Francisco ~8.625%, San Diego ~7.75%. Groceries (unprepared food) and prescription medicines are exempt. Clothing IS taxable.
Disclaimer: This calculator uses publicly available rules effective as of Jan 1, 2025 (version 1.0). Results are for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources or a qualified professional. Last reviewed: Mar 1, 2026.
Formula
Sales tax in California combines the statewide base with district taxes that vary by location. Enter the rate that matches your transaction.
United States FAQs
What is the sales tax rate in California?
California state base rate is 7.25%, the highest in the US. Combined with local district taxes, rates range from 7.25% to 10.75%. Los Angeles is ~10.25%, San Francisco ~8.625%, San Diego ~7.75%. The rate depends on your exact address.
Is food taxed in California?
Unprepared grocery food (fruits, vegetables, meat, bread, dairy) is exempt. Prepared food (restaurant meals, hot deli items, food with utensils), candy, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are taxable at the full combined rate.
Is clothing taxed in California?
Yes. Unlike New York and Pennsylvania, California taxes all clothing and footwear at the full combined sales tax rate. There is no exemption for any clothing regardless of price.
Why does the rate vary so much across California?
Over 400 city and county jurisdictions add district taxes on top of the 7.25% state base through voter-approved measures. These fund transit, infrastructure, and local services. The CDTFA website has an exact rate lookup by address.
What is the CDTFA?
The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) administers sales tax collection, rate lookups, and compliance. Businesses file returns and remit taxes to CDTFA quarterly or monthly depending on volume.
Does California tax online purchases?
Yes. Since the 2018 Wayfair Supreme Court decision, out-of-state sellers with over $500,000 in California sales must collect and remit CA sales tax. Marketplace facilitators like Amazon collect tax on behalf of third-party sellers.
How do I add this California Sales Tax Calculator to my site?
Absolutely. Use the "Embed" option above to tailor the dimensions, color scheme, and styling to match your site. Copy the generated iframe snippet and drop it into your HTML, WordPress editor, or any CMS. There is no cost and no account required. See calculory.com/services/embed-calculators for a step-by-step walkthrough.
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