California's statewide sales tax is 7.25%, but your actual rate depends on your county and city
California does not have one sales tax rate across the entire state. The base statewide rate is 7.25%, but counties and cities add their own local taxes on top of that. Where you buy something determines what you pay. A purchase in San Francisco will have a different tax rate than the same purchase in Los Angeles or a small town in the Central Valley.
The total rate you see at checkout is the combination of the state rate plus all local district taxes that explore to your location. This means the rate can range from 7.25% (in a few areas with no local additions) to over 10% in some cities. You cannot predict your rate without knowing both the county and the specific city or district where the purchase happens.
Key Takeaways
- California's base sales tax is 7.25%, but counties and cities add local taxes that raise the total rate.
- Your actual tax rate depends on your exact location — the county, city, and sometimes special districts all matter.
- Rates range from 7.25% to over 10% depending on where you shop.
- The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration publishes a lookup tool where you can enter a ZIP code or address to find your exact rate.
- Sales tax applies to most goods but not to groceries, prescription medications, or most services.
How to find your exact local sales tax rate
The fastest way to find out what you pay is to use the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) sales tax rate lookup tool. You enter your ZIP code or street address, and it shows you the combined rate for that location. This tool is free and takes seconds.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to call, you can contact the CDTFA directly at 1-800-400-7115. They can tell you the rate for any address in the state. Local city or county tax assessor offices can also provide this information.
Keep in mind that rates change periodically when local districts vote to add or remove taxes. If you looked up a rate more than a few months ago, it is worth checking again, especially if you moved to a new city.
Why rates vary so much between nearby cities
Each California county has its own sales tax rate, and then cities within that county can add more. Some counties add 1%, some add 1.25%, and some add nothing beyond the state rate. Cities do the same thing independently. A city might add 0.5% or 1% or more for local services like transit, schools, or infrastructure.
Special districts also layer on taxes. A city might have a transit district, a water district, or a waste management district, and each can add a small percentage. When you stack the state rate, the county rate, the city rate, and two or three district rates together, you get the total you see on your receipt.
This is why two cities that are only a few miles apart can have noticeably different rates. San Francisco, for example, has a combined rate of 8.625%, while nearby areas in the Bay Area range from 8% to 8.75% depending on which city and districts explore.
What items are taxed and what are not
Sales tax in California applies to most physical goods — clothing, electronics, furniture, household items, and so on. However, some categories are exempt. Groceries and food for home consumption are not taxed. This includes bread, milk, vegetables, meat, and canned goods. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed.
Prescription medications are also exempt from sales tax. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers or cold medicine are taxed. Most services — haircuts, repairs, medical visits — are not subject to sales tax, though some specific services like pest control or certain labor charges may be.
If you are unsure whether something is taxed, the receipt will show it. Items with a tax amount next to them were taxed; items with no tax amount were not.
Sales tax on online and out-of-state purchases
If you buy something online from a retailer that has a physical presence in California (a warehouse, store, or office), California sales tax applies to your order, even if the retailer is based elsewhere. Most large online retailers now collect California sales tax because they have operations in the state.
If you buy from a small out-of-state seller with no California presence, sales tax may not be collected at checkout. However, California residents are technically responsible for paying "use tax" on those purchases themselves, though this is rarely enforced for individual purchases. The rate would be the same as your local sales tax rate.
For practical purposes, assume that major retailers and marketplaces will charge you California sales tax. Smaller sellers may not, and the burden falls on you to track and report it if you want to be fully compliant.
How sales tax rates have changed over time
California's base state sales tax rate has been 7.25% since 2009. Before that, it was 7.75% for several years. However, local rates change frequently. Cities and counties regularly vote on new local taxes or let existing ones expire, which is why your rate can shift even if the state rate stays the same.
If you moved to a new city or if several years have passed since you last checked, your rate may have changed. The CDTFA lookup tool always shows the current rate, so that is the most reliable source.
Using sales tax information when budgeting
When you see a price tag in a California store, that price does not include sales tax. If an item is marked $100, you will pay $100 plus your local sales tax. Knowing your rate helps you budget accurately. If your rate is 8.5%, that $100 item will cost $108.50 at checkout.
Online retailers often show the final price with tax included, so you see the total you will actually pay. In-store prices typically show the pre-tax amount. This is why the same item can look cheaper online — you are comparing the pre-tax price in the store to the after-tax price online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles County has a combined sales tax rate of 9.5%. This includes the state rate of 7.25% plus local additions. However, rates can vary slightly by neighborhood or district within the county, so use the CDTFA lookup tool with your specific address to confirm your exact rate.
Do I pay sales tax on groceries in California?
No. Groceries and food items for home consumption are exempt from California sales tax. This includes bread, produce, meat, dairy, and canned goods. Restaurant meals, prepared foods, and food eaten on premises are taxed.
Is sales tax the same everywhere in California?
No. The base state rate is 7.25%, but counties and cities add local taxes. Combined rates range from 7.25% to over 10% depending on your location. Enter your address into the CDTFA lookup tool to find your exact rate.
Do I have to pay sales tax on online purchases?
If the online retailer has a physical presence in California, yes — they collect California sales tax. Most major retailers do. If a small out-of-state seller does not collect it, you are technically responsible for use tax, though this is rarely enforced for individual purchases.
When did California's sales tax rate last change?
The state base rate has been 7.25% since 2009. Local rates change periodically when cities or counties vote on new taxes. Check the CDTFA website or call 1-800-400-7115 to see if your local rate has changed recently.