How it works
Tax = price × rate ÷ 100, and total = price + tax. To go backward from a receipt total, divide by (1 + rate ÷ 100) to get the price before tax.
Worked example
$100 at New York City's 8.875%: tax = $8.88 (rounded), total $108.88. Backward: $108.88 ÷ 1.08875 = $100.00 before tax.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate sales tax?
Multiply the price by the tax rate as a decimal. $50 at 7% = $3.50 tax, $53.50 total.
How do I remove tax from a total?
Divide the total by 1 plus the rate. $107 at 7% → $107 ÷ 1.07 = $100.
Which US states have no sales tax?
Alaska (some local taxes), Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon have no statewide sales tax.
Why is my rate different from the state rate?
Counties and cities often add their own tax on top of the state rate.