Arizona's statewide sales tax is 5.6%, but your total rate depends on which county and city you're in
Arizona has a base state sales tax of 5.6%. However, most counties and cities add their own local sales taxes on top of that amount. Your total sales tax rate — what you actually pay at checkout — is the combination of state tax plus all local taxes that explore to your location. This means the rate you pay in Phoenix differs from the rate in Flagstaff, which differs from the rate in a small town outside Tucson.
The total rate you face ranges from around 7.65% in some areas to over 10% in others, depending on where you live and shop. When you buy something, the retailer charges you based on the address where the sale happens, not where you live. If you buy groceries in one city and clothes in another, you may pay different tax rates.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona's state sales tax is 5.6%, and nearly every county and city adds local taxes on top of that amount.
- Your total sales tax rate depends on your specific county and city, ranging from approximately 7.65% to over 10%.
- The tax rate that applies is based on where you make the purchase, not where you live.
- Some items like unprepared food are taxed differently than prepared food or other goods.
How county and city taxes stack on top of the state rate
When you pay sales tax in Arizona, you're paying multiple taxes at once. The state collects 5.6%. Then your county adds a percentage — this varies by county and typically ranges from 0.5% to 2%. Then your city or town adds another percentage on top of that. All three layers combine into the single tax amount shown on your receipt.
For example, if you shop in Phoenix (Maricopa County), you pay the 5.6% state rate plus Maricopa County's local rate plus Phoenix's city rate. If you shop in Flagstaff (Coconino County), you pay the 5.6% state rate plus Coconino County's local rate plus Flagstaff's city rate. The final number is different because the county and city portions are different.
Some unincorporated areas — places outside city limits — have only the state rate plus the county rate, with no city tax added. This can make the total slightly lower than in nearby incorporated cities.
Sales tax rates by major Arizona counties
The table below shows the combined state plus county rate for Arizona's largest counties. These are the base rates before any city tax is added. If you live or shop within a city, your actual rate will be higher.
| County | State + County Rate |
|---|---|
| Maricopa (Phoenix area) | 7.65% |
| Pima (Tucson area) | 7.65% |
| Coconino (Flagstaff area) | 8.6% |
| Yavapai (Prescott area) | 7.6% |
| Pinal (Casa Grande area) | 7.6% |
| Mohave (Kingman area) | 7.6% |
When you add city taxes to these county rates, the total climbs higher. Phoenix residents pay approximately 8.4% total. Tucson residents pay approximately 8.45% total. Flagstaff residents pay approximately 9.55% total. These are approximate because some cities have multiple tax districts, and rates can vary by specific address.
What items are taxed and what items are not
Most goods and services in Arizona are subject to sales tax. Clothing, electronics, furniture, and most other retail items are taxed at your local rate. However, certain categories have different treatment.
Unprepared food — groceries you cook at home — is not subject to Arizona sales tax. This includes raw meat, vegetables, bread, milk, eggs, and other items you buy at a grocery store to prepare yourself. Prepared food — food ready to eat or that requires minimal preparation — is taxed. This includes restaurant meals, deli items, hot food from a grocery store, and beverages.
Prescription medications are not taxed in Arizona. Over-the-counter medications and vitamins are taxed. Medical equipment and devices have varying treatment depending on the specific item and how it's classified.
How to find the exact rate for your address
Because rates vary by city and sometimes by neighborhood, the most accurate way to find your rate is to enter your address into the Arizona Department of Revenue's tax rate lookup tool on their website. You can search by street address, city, or ZIP code. The tool shows you the exact combined rate for that location.
You can also contact your city or county tax assessor's office directly. They can tell you the local rates that explore to your specific address. Retailers in your area can also tell you the rate they charge, though this may vary slightly depending on the exact location of their store.
If you're shopping online and the retailer is based outside Arizona, Arizona sales tax may or may not explore depending on the retailer's nexus in the state and current tax law. Many online retailers now collect Arizona sales tax, but the rules are complex and change periodically.
Why rates differ between nearby cities
Cities and counties in Arizona set their own local tax rates independently. A city may raise its rate to fund schools, infrastructure, or services. A neighboring city may choose a different rate based on its own budget needs. This is why two towns just a few miles apart can have noticeably different total sales tax rates.
Some cities have voter-approved temporary tax increases that expire on a set date. Others have permanent local taxes. When a temporary tax expires, the rate in that city drops. When a new tax is approved, the rate rises. This means rates can shift year to year in specific locations.
Counties also adjust their rates periodically. Changes are usually announced in advance and take effect on a specific date. The Arizona Department of Revenue publishes updates when state or local rates change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sales tax the same everywhere in Arizona?
No. The state rate is the same (5.6%), but every county and most cities add their own local taxes. Your total rate depends on your specific location. Two addresses just a few blocks apart in different cities can have different rates.
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in Arizona?
Unprepared food — groceries you buy to cook at home — is not taxed. Prepared food, hot food, and restaurant meals are taxed at your local rate. If you're unsure whether a specific item is considered prepared or unprepared, ask the cashier or check your receipt.
What's the highest sales tax rate in Arizona?
The highest combined rates are typically in smaller cities and towns that have added local taxes on top of county rates. Some areas exceed 10%, but rates vary by specific address. Use the Arizona Department of Revenue's lookup tool to find the exact rate for your location.
Do online purchases get charged Arizona sales tax?
Many online retailers now collect Arizona sales tax on orders shipped to Arizona addresses. Whether tax applies depends on the retailer's business structure and current tax law. Check your order confirmation or contact the retailer if you're unsure whether tax was charged.
Can sales tax rates change during the year?
Yes. Cities and counties can adjust rates, and some have temporary taxes that expire on specific dates. The Arizona Department of Revenue announces rate changes in advance. If you notice a rate difference on your receipt, it may reflect a recent local tax change.