What is the California sales tax rate in 2025?+
The statewide base rate is 7.25%. Most cities add local district taxes, so combined rates range from 7.25% to 10.75% depending on location. Los Angeles and Oakland are at 10.25%, while Hayward is the highest at 10.75%. Use the city dropdown above to get the exact rate for your location.
How do I calculate sales tax in California?+
Multiply the pre-tax price by the combined rate expressed as a decimal. For a $100 item in Sacramento (8.75%): Tax = $100 x 0.0875 = $8.75, Total = $108.75. The formula is Tax = Price x (Rate / 100). This calculator does the arithmetic instantly for any city and price.
How do I remove sales tax from a price in California?+
Divide the tax-inclusive total by (1 + Rate/100). For a $108.75 total at 8.75%: Pre-tax = $108.75 / 1.0875 = $100.00. The Remove Tax mode in this calculator handles this automatically. It is useful when a receipt shows a total and you need the pre-tax base for reimbursement or accounting.
Are groceries taxable in California?+
Most unprepared grocery items sold for home consumption are exempt from California sales tax. Exemptions cover cold sandwiches, packaged foods, and most beverages. However, hot prepared foods, soft drinks, candy, and dietary supplements are taxable at the full combined rate. When in doubt, check the CDTFA exemption list for the specific item.
Does California charge sales tax on clothing?+
Yes. California taxes clothing purchases at the full combined sales tax rate. There is no clothing exemption like the ones in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. A $200 jacket in Irvine (7.75%) adds $15.50 in tax; the same jacket in Oakland (10.25%) adds $20.50.
Why do different California cities have different sales tax rates?+
California law allows cities, counties, and special districts to add voter-approved transactions and use taxes on top of the statewide 7.25% base. These district taxes fund local services such as transportation, public safety, and social programs. Each jurisdiction's voters decide whether to add, extend, or increase these taxes, resulting in rates that vary by address.
What is the sales tax rate in San Jose, California in 2025?+
San Jose's combined sales tax rate is 9.375% in 2025. This includes the statewide 7.25% base plus Santa Clara County and city district add-ons. The rate applies throughout the San Jose city limits. Some neighboring cities in Santa Clara County may have different rates.
Is there sales tax on cars in California?+
Yes. Vehicle purchases are subject to California sales tax at the rate of the buyer's city of registration, not the dealer's location. For a $35,000 car registered in Los Angeles (10.25%), the tax is $3,587.50. The DMV collects this tax as part of the vehicle registration process, separate from the dealer's transaction.
Do I owe California sales tax on out-of-state online purchases?+
Yes, technically. If an out-of-state seller does not collect California sales tax and the item would otherwise be taxable, you owe California use tax at the same rate. California residents are required to report untaxed purchases on their state income tax return (Schedule CA). Since 2019, large remote sellers must collect and remit CA sales tax directly.
What is the difference between sales tax and use tax in California?+
Sales tax is collected by the seller at the point of sale in California. Use tax is owed by the buyer when a taxable item is purchased from an out-of-state seller who does not collect sales tax, or when goods are brought into California from another state. Both taxes exist at the same combined rate and serve the same revenue purpose. They are designed to ensure that all taxable purchases are taxed regardless of where the transaction occurs.
Are services taxable in California?+
Generally, services are not subject to California sales tax. Legal, medical, accounting, and consulting services are exempt. However, if a service involves fabricating, repairing, or installing tangible personal property, the materials used may be taxable. For example, an auto repair shop charges sales tax on parts but not on labor.
How often do California sales tax rates change?+
Rates change when voters approve or let expire local district taxes, typically at the November general election. The CDTFA publishes updated rate tables quarterly (January, April, July, and October). The rates in this calculator reflect the 2025 combined rates as of the most recent CDTFA publication.