What is the sales tax rate in Georgia?

The Georgia state sales tax rate is 4.000%. However, counties and special districts can impose additional local taxes ranging from 2% to 5%, making total rates vary from 6% to 9% depending on location.

Does Georgia have local sales tax?

Yes, Georgia has extensive local sales taxes. Counties impose local option sales taxes (LOST) and special district taxes. For example, Fulton County (Atlanta) adds 4.9%, while Richmond County (Augusta) adds 4.5% to the 4.000% state rate.

Are groceries taxed in Georgia?

No, most groceries are exempt from sales tax in Georgia. Since 1996, select grocery items including meat, milk, bread, and vegetables are exempt. However, prepared foods, candy, and soft drinks are generally taxable.

Is clothing taxed in Georgia?

Yes, clothing and footwear are subject to Georgia's full sales tax rate. Unlike some states, Georgia does not exempt clothing purchases and does not have regular tax-free holidays for apparel.

Are prescription drugs taxed in Georgia?

No, prescription drugs and certain medical devices are exempt from sales tax in Georgia. This exemption helps reduce healthcare costs for Georgia residents.

What is the Gulch Enterprise Zone in Atlanta?

The Gulch Enterprise Zone (Centennial Yards area) in Atlanta is a special tax district where qualified businesses charge a reduced sales tax rate of 3.9% instead of the standard 8.9%. This incentive is designed to encourage development in this specific area.

Do I pay sales tax on used cars in Georgia?

Yes, Georgia charges sales tax on motor vehicle purchases, whether new or used. The tax is calculated on the purchase price at the 4.000% state rate plus any applicable local taxes.

When did Georgia's sales tax rate change?

Georgia's state sales tax has been 4.000% since 1989. The state first adopted a 3% sales tax in 1951, then increased it to the current 4.000% in 1989. In 1996, Georgia added an exemption for select groceries.

Do I pay Georgia sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, online purchases delivered to Georgia addresses are subject to Georgia sales tax. Major online retailers typically collect the 4.000% state rate plus your local jurisdiction's taxes at checkout.

Sales Tax Calculator

Georgia Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate Georgia sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total, including local taxes.

State Rate

4.000%

Select City

This is a Gulch Enterprise Zone (Centennial Yards) business (3.900%)

Amount before tax

About Georgia Sales Tax

State rate: 4.000%

Local rate in Fulton County: 4.900%

Combined rate in Atlanta: 8.900%

Gulch Enterprise Zone (Centennial Yards)

Qualified businesses in this zone charge a reduced rate of 3.900% instead of the standard 8.900%.

State Rate

4.000%

Local Tax

Yes

Max Total

9.00%

Fulton County

7.750%

Standard Rate

85,097

City	County	Standard Rate	Special District	Population
Atlanta	Fulton	8.900%	Special District	524,067
Augusta	Richmond	8.500%	Standard Rate	199,614
Columbus	Muscogee	9.000%	Standard Rate	198,969
Macon	Bibb	7.000%	Standard Rate	153,671
Savannah	Chatham	7.000%	Standard Rate	141,758
Athens	Clarke	8.000%	Standard Rate	129,025
Sandy Springs	Fulton	7.750%	Standard Rate	110,664
South Fulton	Fulton	7.750%	Standard Rate	102,909
Roswell	Fulton	7.750%	Standard Rate	94,959
Johns Creek	Fulton	7.750%	Standard Rate	85,097
Warner Robins	Houston	7.000%	Standard Rate	80,121
Albany	Dougherty	8.000%	Standard Rate	69,952
Alpharetta	Fulton	7.750%	Standard Rate	69,125
Marietta	Cobb	6.000%	Standard Rate	61,307
Brookhaven	DeKalb	8.000%	Standard Rate	58,604
Smyrna	Cobb	6.000%	Standard Rate	56,974
Valdosta	Lowndes	8.000%	Standard Rate	56,515
Stonecrest	DeKalb	8.000%	Standard Rate	55,861
Dunwoody	DeKalb	8.000%	Standard Rate	48,992
Gainesville	Hall	7.000%	Standard Rate	46,996
Newnan	Coweta	7.000%	Standard Rate	45,087
Peachtree Corners	Gwinnett	6.000%	Standard Rate	44,701
Mableton	Cobb	6.000%	Standard Rate	41,487
Milton	Fulton	7.750%	Standard Rate	40,327
Peachtree City	Fayette	7.000%	Standard Rate	37,275
Evans	Columbia	8.000%	Standard Rate	37,114
Tucker	DeKalb	8.000%	Standard Rate	36,889
Statesboro	Bulloch	8.000%	Standard Rate	35,568
Douglasville	Douglas	7.000%	Standard Rate	34,918
Rome	Floyd	7.000%	Standard Rate	3,694

Note: Georgia's combined rates include the 4.000% state rate plus county and special district taxes. Rates shown are current as of 2025.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Georgia

Sales Tax Calculation

Georgia

Example: Television Purchase in Atlanta

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $500.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$500.00 × 8.9% (0.089)

4% state + 4.9% Fulton County

Sales tax $44.50

Add to the original price

$500.00 + $44.50

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $544.50

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.089 (for Atlanta) to find the pre-tax price. Example: $108.90 ÷ 1.089 = $100.00

What's Taxed?

Taxable: Clothing, electronics, furniture, retail goods

Exempt: Groceries, prescription drugs

Special Georgia Sales Tax Rules

Local Option Sales Tax (LOST)

Georgia counties impose local option sales taxes that fund county and city governments. These local taxes are added to the 4.000% state rate and vary significantly by location.

Local Tax Rates: County local option taxes typically range from 2% to 5%, with most metro areas charging 4-5%.

Examples: Fulton County/Atlanta (4.9%), Richmond County/Augusta (4.5%), Muscogee County/Columbus (5%), Chatham County/Savannah (3%)

Enterprise Zones

Atlanta's Gulch Enterprise Zone (Centennial Yards area) offers a reduced rate of 3.9% instead of 8.9% for qualified businesses to encourage development.

Tax-Exempt Items

Georgia exempts several categories from sales tax

•
Food & Groceries: Select grocery items including meat, milk, bread, and vegetables (exempted since 1996)
•
Prescription Drugs: Medications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers and certain medical devices
•
Agricultural Machinery: Equipment used in farming and agricultural production
•
Manufacturing Equipment: Machinery and materials used in manufacturing processes
•
Note: Clothing is NOT exempt in Georgia and is subject to full sales tax

How Georgia Compares to Neighboring States

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

4.000%

Florida

6.00%

+ up to 2%
local tax

Alabama

4.00%

+ up to 7.5%
local tax

Georgia

4.000%

+ 2% to 5% local tax

#38 of 50 states

South Carolina

6.00%

+ up to 3%
local tax

Tennessee

7.00%

+ up to 2.75%
local tax

Georgia's 4.000% state rate is among the lowest, but combined rates can reach 9% with local taxes in metro areas.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Georgia Sales Tax Rate History

Georgia's state sales tax has been 4.000% since 1989. Here's how the rate has evolved since its adoption:

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
1996	4.00%	—	Grocery exemption added for select items
1989	4.00%	▲ +1.00%	Current rate established (36 years at 4%)
1951	3.00%	—	Sales tax first enacted in Georgia

Historical note: When Georgia adopted its 3% sales tax in 1951, new sales tax revenues nearly doubled the state budget, helping fund much-needed investments in public education. For over three decades, sales tax served as Georgia's largest single revenue source until it was eclipsed by personal income tax in 1982.

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Calculator

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Calculate SC sales tax (6%)

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Resources

Official GA Tax Info

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current Georgia sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state legislation and local option taxes. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the Georgia Department of Revenue 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: Georgia Department of Revenue, O.C.G.A. § 48-8 (Georgia Sales and Use Tax), County Local Option Sales Tax Database

Last updated: October 10, 2025