Sales Tax Calculator

Virginia Sales Tax
Calculator

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

State Rate
4.300%
$

About Virginia Sales Tax

State rate: 4.300%
Local rate in Independent City (Virginia Beach) County: 1.700%
Combined rate in Virginia Beach: 6.000%
State Rate
4.300%
Local Tax
1%
Base Combined
5.3%
Grocery Tax
1%

What are the sales tax rates in Virginia cities?

Virginia has a state sales tax rate of 4.300%, plus a mandatory 1% local tax statewide (total 5.3%). Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, and Central Virginia regions add 0.7% for transportation, bringing their rate to 6%. Some localities (e.g. Danville) reach 6.3%.

Virginia Beach

Independent City (Virginia Beach) County

6.000%
Standard Rate
449,625

Chesapeake

Independent City (Chesapeake) County

6.000%
Standard Rate
256,622

Richmond

Independent City (Richmond) County

6.000%
Standard Rate
230,787

Norfolk

Independent City (Norfolk) County

6.000%
Standard Rate
226,357

Newport News

Independent City (Newport News) County

6.000%
Standard Rate
181,165

Alexandria

Independent City (Alexandria) County

6.000%
Standard Rate
152,624

Hampton

Independent City (Hampton) County

6.000%
Standard Rate
136,976

Suffolk

Independent City (Suffolk) County

6.000%
Standard Rate
104,598

Portsmouth

Independent City (Portsmouth) County

6.000%
Standard Rate
96,018

Roanoke

Independent City (Roanoke) County

5.300%
Standard Rate
95,357

Note: Most Virginia cities charge 5.3%. Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, and Central Virginia charge 6%. Some localities (Danville and others) charge 6.3%.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Virginia

Sales Tax Calculation
Virginia
Example: Standard Virginia Purchase
1
Determine the purchase price
Purchase price (before tax) $500.00
2
Multiply by the tax rate
$500.00 × 5.3% (0.053) for most of Virginia
Sales tax $26.50
3
Add to the original price
$500.00 + $26.50
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $526.50
Thank you for your purchase

Regional Rates

Hampton Roads & Northern Virginia: 6% (add 0.7% transportation tax). Rest of Virginia: 5.3%

Grocery Discount

Groceries: 1% only (state tax eliminated 2023)
Prepared foods: Full rate applies

What are Virginia's special sales tax rules?

Regional Transportation Tax (0.7%)

Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia charge an additional 0.7% regional sales tax to fund transportation projects, bringing the total rate to 6% in these regions.

Enacted 2013: House Bill 2313 created this regional tax for areas with populations over 1.5 million, 1.2 million+ registered vehicles, and 15 million+ annual transit riders.

Regions with 6% Rate

Hampton Roads: Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth

Northern Virginia: Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, Prince William, Loudoun counties

Reduced Grocery Tax (1%)

As of January 1, 2023, Virginia eliminated the state portion of the sales tax on groceries and essential personal hygiene products.

Food for home consumption:
1% tax only (local portion)
Essential personal hygiene products:
1% tax only (state portion eliminated)
Prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco:
Full rate (5.3% or 6% depending on location)

Sales Tax Holiday

Annual August Holiday: Clothing, footwear, and school supplies under $100 per item are exempt from sales tax during Virginia's back-to-school weekend.

How does Virginia sales tax compare to neighboring states?

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

VA
4.300%

Virginia's mandatory 1% local tax creates uniform rates across most of the state, unlike neighboring states with varying local rates.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

How has Virginia's sales tax rate changed over time?

Virginia's sales tax has evolved significantly since 1966, with rates increasing to fund state services and transportation infrastructure:

Effective Date Rate Change Notes
January 1, 2023 4.3% + 1% ▼ Grocery tax State grocery tax eliminated (now 1% only)
July 1, 2013 4.3% + 1% ▲ +0.3% State rate increased to 4.3% (HB 2313); regional 0.7% tax added
July 1, 2005 4.0% + 1% ▼ Grocery tax Grocery tax reduced to 2.5% (1.5% state + 1% local)
July 1, 2004 4.0% + 1% ▲ +0.5% State rate increased from 3.5% to 4%
1986 3.5% + 1% ▲ +0.5% Increased for transportation funding (Gov. Baliles)
1968 3.0% + 1% ▲ +1.0% State rate increased to 3%
1966 2.0% + 1% — Retail Sales and Use Tax Act enacted

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current Virginia sales tax rates as of April 2026. Tax rates are subject to change by state legislation and regional authorities. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the Virginia Department of Taxation 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: Virginia Department of Taxation, Virginia Code Title 58.1 (Taxation), House Bill 2313 (2013)

Last updated: April 16, 2026