What is the sales tax rate in California?

California has a base statewide sales tax rate of 7.250%. This includes 6% for the state and a mandatory 1.25% local tax. Counties and cities can add additional district taxes ranging from 0.10% to 2.00%, so combined rates typically range from 7.250% to over 10%.

Does California have local sales tax?

Yes, California has a mandatory 1.25% local tax that applies statewide (included in the base 7.250% rate), plus optional district taxes that vary by location. Local jurisdictions can impose additional district taxes ranging from 0.10% to 2.00%, which is why rates vary significantly across California.

Are groceries taxed in California?

No, groceries are generally exempt from California sales tax. This exemption covers most food products sold for home consumption. However, candy, soft drinks, and prepared foods (like restaurant meals and hot foods) are taxable at the full rate.

Is clothing taxed in California?

Yes, clothing and footwear are subject to California's sales tax at the full rate of 7.250% plus any applicable local taxes. California does not offer clothing exemptions, unlike some other states.

Do I pay sales tax on used cars in California?

Yes, California charges sales tax on vehicle purchases. The rate is 7.250% base rate plus applicable local taxes. The tax is calculated on the purchase price and collected when you register the vehicle with the DMV.

What city in California has the highest sales tax?

Several California cities have combined rates of 10.25% to 10.75%, including parts of Los Angeles County and other areas with multiple district taxes. Use our calculator to find the exact rate for any California city.

When did California last change its sales tax rate?

California's base rate of 7.250% was re-established on January 1, 2017, after a temporary 0.25% increase from Proposition 30 expired. The rate was originally established at 7.25% in 1991. Local district taxes change more frequently as cities and counties adjust their rates.

Do I pay CA sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, online purchases delivered to California addresses are subject to sales tax. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, most major online retailers collect California sales tax at checkout based on your delivery location.

Sales Tax Calculator

California Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate California sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total with local rates included.

Base State Rate

7.250%

Select City

Amount before tax

About California Sales Tax

State rate: 7.250%

Local rate in Los Angeles County: 2.500%

Combined rate in Los Angeles: 9.750%

Base Rate

7.250%

Local Tax

Yes

Max Combined

~10.75%

Rank

California Sales Tax Rates by City

California's total sales tax rate varies by location. The base statewide rate is 7.250% (6% state + 1.25% mandatory local), and counties and cities add district taxes ranging from 0.10% to 2.00%. Combined rates typically range from 7.250% to over 10.75% depending on your location.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles County

9.750%

Standard Rate

San Diego

San Diego County

7.750%

Standard Rate

San Jose

Santa Clara County

9.375%

Standard Rate

San Francisco

San Francisco County

8.625%

Standard Rate

Fresno

Fresno County

8.350%

Standard Rate

Sacramento

Sacramento County

8.750%

Standard Rate

Long Beach

Los Angeles County

10.500%

Standard Rate

Oakland

Alameda County

10.750%

Standard Rate

Bakersfield

Kern County

8.250%

Standard Rate

Anaheim

Orange County

7.750%

Standard Rate

City	County	Standard Rate	Special District
Los Angeles	Los Angeles	9.750%	Standard Rate
San Diego	San Diego	7.750%	Standard Rate
San Jose	Santa Clara	9.375%	Standard Rate
San Francisco	San Francisco	8.625%	Standard Rate
Fresno	Fresno	8.350%	Standard Rate
Sacramento	Sacramento	8.750%	Standard Rate
Long Beach	Los Angeles	10.500%	Standard Rate
Oakland	Alameda	10.750%	Standard Rate
Bakersfield	Kern	8.250%	Standard Rate
Anaheim	Orange	7.750%	Standard Rate
Stockton	San Joaquin	9.000%	Standard Rate
Riverside	Riverside	8.750%	Standard Rate
Irvine	Orange	7.750%	Standard Rate
Santa Ana	Orange	9.250%	Standard Rate
Chula Vista	San Diego	8.750%	Standard Rate
Santa Clarita	Los Angeles	9.750%	Standard Rate
Fremont	Alameda	10.250%	Standard Rate
San Bernardino	San Bernardino	8.750%	Standard Rate
Modesto	Stanislaus	8.875%	Standard Rate
Fontana	San Bernardino	8.750%	Standard Rate
Moreno Valley	Riverside	7.750%	Standard Rate
Oxnard	Ventura	9.250%	Standard Rate
Huntington Beach	Orange	7.750%	Standard Rate
Glendale	Los Angeles	10.500%	Standard Rate
Ontario	San Bernardino	8.750%	Standard Rate
Elk Grove	Sacramento	8.750%	Standard Rate
Santa Rosa	Sonoma	10.000%	Standard Rate
Rancho Cucamonga	San Bernardino	7.750%	Standard Rate
Garden Grove	Orange	8.750%	Standard Rate
Oceanside	San Diego	8.250%	Standard Rate

Note: Rates include state, mandatory local, and district taxes. Local rates may change; verify current rates for large purchases.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in California

Sales Tax Calculation

California

Example: Los Angeles Purchase

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $500.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$500.00 × 9.750% (0.0975)

Sales tax $48.75

Add to the original price

$500.00 + $48.75

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $548.75

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.0975 to find the pre-tax price (using 9.75% rate). Example: $109.75 ÷ 1.0975 = $100.00

What's Taxed?

Taxable: Most items, clothing, vehicles

Exempt: Groceries, prescription drugs

Special California Sales Tax Rules

Mandatory Local Tax

California's base rate includes a mandatory 1.25% local tax that applies statewide. This consists of 1% base local tax plus 0.25% for local transportation.

Rate breakdown: Base statewide rate of 7.25% = 6% state tax + 1.25% mandatory local tax. This applies everywhere in California before any district taxes are added.

District Taxes

Local jurisdictions can impose additional district taxes on top of the base 7.25% rate

•
Range: District taxes range from 0.10% to 2.00%
•
Multiple Districts: Some areas have more than one district tax in effect
•
Total Rates: Combined rates can reach 10.75% in some California cities
•
Highest in Nation: California has the highest base statewide rate at 7.25%

How California Compares to Neighboring States

Here's how California's sales tax stacks up against nearby states

California

7.250%

+ District taxes (0.1-2%)

Combined: 7.25% - 10.75%

#1 highest base rate

Oregon

No sales tax!

0.000%

Nevada

+ up to 1.53% local tax

6.850%

Arizona

+ local taxes vary by city

5.600%

Oregon

0.000%

No sales tax!

Nevada

6.850%

+ up to 1.53%
local tax

California

7.250%

+ District taxes (0.1-2%)

Combined: 7.25% - 10.75%

#1 highest base rate

Arizona

5.600%

+ local taxes
vary by city

California has the highest base statewide rate at 7.25%. Oregon has no sales tax at all, while Nevada and Arizona have lower base rates but varying local taxes.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

California Sales Tax Rate History

California's sales tax rate has changed several times over the years. The current 7.25% base rate has been in effect since 2017:

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
January 1, 2017	7.250%	▼ -0.250%	Proposition 30 temporary increase expired
January 1, 2013	7.500%	▲ +0.250%	Proposition 30 temporary tax increase (4 years)
July 1, 2011	7.250%	▼ -1.000%	Budget crisis temporary increase expired
April 1, 2009	8.250%	▲ +1.000%	Temporary increase during 2008-2009 budget crisis
1991	7.250%	—	Base rate of 7.25% established
August 1, 1933	2.500%	—	Sales tax first enacted in California

Note: The 7.25% base rate was established in 1991 and has remained the standard rate (except for two temporary increases). Local district taxes change frequently as counties and cities adjust their rates.

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current California sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state and local legislation. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration or a qualified tax professional.

Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.

Sources: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), Revenue and Taxation Code, Proposition 30

Last updated: October 10, 2025