What is the sales tax rate in Vermont?

Vermont has a state sales tax rate of 6.000%. Many municipalities also impose a 1% local option sales tax, making the combined rate 7% in those areas.

What is the sales tax rate in Burlington?

Burlington has a combined sales tax rate of 7%, which includes the 6.000% state rate plus a 1% local option tax. Burlington is one of Vermont's largest municipalities with the local option tax.

Which Vermont cities have the 1% local option tax?

As of 2025, over 30 Vermont municipalities have adopted the 1% local option sales tax, including Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Brattleboro, Stowe, Manchester, Middlebury, Montpelier, Shelburne, Williston, Colchester, and many others. The Vermont Department of Taxes maintains a current list.

Are groceries taxed in Vermont?

No, most grocery items intended for off-site consumption are exempt from sales tax in Vermont. However, prepared meals, soft drinks, candy, and dietary supplements are taxable at the full rate.

Is clothing taxed in Vermont?

No, everyday clothing and footwear are exempt from Vermont sales tax. This includes items like coats, uniforms, shoes, and wedding apparel. However, accessories (like jewelry) and protective gear (like helmets) are generally taxable.

When did Vermont adopt its sales tax?

Vermont adopted its sales tax in 1969 at a rate of 3%, making it the last state to impose a sales tax. The rate has increased over the years, reaching 6.000% where it remains today.

Do I pay Vermont sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, most online purchases delivered to Vermont addresses are subject to Vermont sales tax at the rate applicable to the delivery address (either 6.000% or 7% in local option tax areas). Major online retailers typically collect this tax at checkout.

What items are exempt from sales tax in Vermont?

Vermont exempts groceries (unprepared food), clothing and footwear, prescription drugs, newspapers, manufacturing equipment, and certain agricultural items. Prepared meals, candy, soft drinks, and most other goods and services remain taxable.

Sales Tax Calculator

Vermont Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate Vermont sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total.

State Rate

6.000%

Select City

Amount before tax

About Vermont Sales Tax

State rate: 6.000%

Local rate in Chittenden County: 1.000%

Combined rate in Burlington: 7.000%

State Rate

6.000%

Local Tax

0-1%

Max Combined

7.0%

Windsor County

7.000%

Standard Rate

10,657

City	County	Standard Rate	Special District	Population
Burlington	Chittenden	7.000%	Standard Rate	44,432
South Burlington	Chittenden	7.000%	Standard Rate	21,713
Colchester	Chittenden	7.000%	Standard Rate	17,807
Rutland City	Rutland	7.000%	Standard Rate	15,565
Bennington	Bennington	6.000%	Standard Rate	15,121
Brattleboro	Windham	7.000%	Standard Rate	11,975
Essex (town)	Chittenden	6.000%	Standard Rate	11,497
Milton	Chittenden	6.000%	Standard Rate	10,802
Essex Junction	Chittenden	7.000%	Standard Rate	10,787
Hartford	Windsor	7.000%	Standard Rate	10,657
Williston	Chittenden	7.000%	Standard Rate	10,091
Middlebury	Addison	7.000%	Standard Rate	9,214
Springfield	Windsor	6.000%	Standard Rate	9,028
Winooski	Chittenden	7.000%	Standard Rate	8,370
Barre City	Washington	7.000%	Standard Rate	8,304
Shelburne	Chittenden	7.000%	Standard Rate	8,126
Barre Town	Washington	6.000%	Standard Rate	8,019
Montpelier	Washington	7.000%	Standard Rate	7,915
St. Johnsbury	Caledonia	6.000%	Standard Rate	7,385
St. Albans Town	Franklin	7.000%	Standard Rate	7,109
St. Albans City	Franklin	7.000%	Standard Rate	7,031
Swanton Town	Franklin	6.000%	Standard Rate	6,854
Morristown	Lamoille	6.000%	Standard Rate	6,094
Northfield	Washington	6.000%	Standard Rate	5,915
Lyndon	Caledonia	6.000%	Standard Rate	5,651
Waterbury	Washington	7.000%	Standard Rate	5,434
Fairfax	Franklin	6.000%	Standard Rate	5,372
Stowe	Lamoille	7.000%	Standard Rate	5,292
Jericho	Chittenden	6.000%	Standard Rate	5,108
Randolph	Orange	6.000%	Standard Rate	4,917

Note: Cities marked with the local option tax charge 7% total. All other Vermont locations charge only the 6.000% state rate.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Vermont

Sales Tax Calculation

Vermont

Example: Burlington Purchase

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $500.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$500.00 × 7% (0.07) for Burlington

Sales tax $35.00

Add to the original price

$500.00 + $35.00

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $535.00

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.07 (in local option areas) or 1.06 (elsewhere) to find the pre-tax price.

What's Exempt?

Exempt: Groceries, clothing, prescriptions

Taxable: Prepared meals, soft drinks, candy

Special Vermont Sales Tax Rules

1% Local Option Sales Tax

Vermont allows municipalities to adopt a 1% local option sales tax through town meeting vote. Over 30 communities have adopted this tax, bringing their total rate to 7%.

Growing adoption: More Vermont towns are voting to adopt the local option tax each year. The number has grown from 23 municipalities in early 2024 to over 30 in 2025.

Major Cities with 1% Local Tax

Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Brattleboro, Montpelier, Stowe, Manchester, Middlebury, Shelburne, Williston, Colchester, Bennington, St. Albans

Tax-Exempt Items

Vermont exempts several essential categories from sales tax

•
Food & Groceries: Unprepared food for home consumption (excludes prepared meals, candy, soft drinks)
•
Clothing & Footwear: Everyday apparel including coats, uniforms, shoes, wedding attire (excludes accessories)
•
Prescription Drugs: Medications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers
•
Manufacturing Equipment: Machinery and equipment used in production
•
Newspapers: Printed publications sold regularly

How Vermont Compares to Neighboring States

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

6.000%

New Hampshire

0.00%

No sales tax!

Massachusetts

6.25%

No local tax

Vermont

6.000%

+ 0-1% local option tax

Max combined: 7%

Last state to adopt (1969)

New York

4.00%

+ up to 4.875%
local tax

Vermont's tax-free clothing and groceries make it competitive with Massachusetts, despite similar base rates. New Hampshire has no sales tax at all.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Vermont Sales Tax Rate History

Vermont was the last state to adopt a sales tax in 1969. The rate has gradually increased from 3% to the current 6.000%:

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
Mid-1990s to Present	6.000%	▲ +1.000%	Increased from 5% (current rate)
1975-1995	5.000%	▲ +2.000%	Rate held at 5% for approximately 20 years
1975	3.000%	—	Rate still at original 3%
1969	3.000%	—	Vermont adopts sales tax (last state to do so)

Historical Note: Vermont was the last of the 45 states with a sales tax to adopt one. Five states (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon) still have no statewide sales tax today.

Related Calculators & Resources

Calculator

Reverse Sales Tax

Find original price from total

State Calculator

New Hampshire

Calculate NH sales tax

State Calculator

Massachusetts

Calculate MA sales tax

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Resources

Official VT Tax Info

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current Vermont sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state legislation and local municipalities. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the Vermont Department of Taxes 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: Vermont Department of Taxes, Vermont Statutes Title 32 Chapter 233 (Sales and Use Tax), Local Option Tax resources

Last updated: October 10, 2025