The current sales tax rate in Los Angeles
The base sales tax rate in Los Angeles is 9.5%. This is the combined state and local rate that applies to most purchases within the city limits. However, the exact rate you pay depends on which part of Los Angeles County you're in, because different cities and districts add their own local taxes on top of California's state rate.
California's state sales tax is 7.25%. Los Angeles County adds a 0.25% county tax, and the City of Los Angeles adds an additional 2% local tax. That combination gives you 9.5%. If you shop in a different city within the county — like Long Beach, Pasadena, or Santa Monica — the rate will be different because those cities have their own local tax rates.
Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles city has a 9.5% sales tax rate, made up of California's 7.25% state rate plus 2.25% in local taxes.
- Other cities in Los Angeles County have different rates because they set their own local tax percentages.
- The rate applies to most goods and some services, but groceries, prescription medications, and certain other items are not taxed.
- You pay sales tax at the point of sale for in-store purchases, and online retailers must collect it if they have a physical presence in California.
How the sales tax breaks down
Sales tax in California is built in layers. The state collects 7.25% on all taxable sales. On top of that, Los Angeles County adds 0.25%, and the City of Los Angeles adds 2%. These stack together to reach 9.5%.
The local portion funds city services like police, fire, libraries, and street maintenance. When you see 9.5% on a receipt, you're seeing all three levels combined into one number. The retailer collects the full amount and sends it to the state, which then distributes the local portion to the county and city.
What items are and aren't taxed
Most physical goods are taxed at 9.5% in Los Angeles. Clothing, electronics, furniture, and household items all get the full rate. However, some categories are exempt or taxed differently.
Groceries — fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bread — are not taxed in California. Prescription medications are also exempt. Over-the-counter medicines like cold medicine or pain relievers are taxed. Restaurant meals and prepared foods are taxed, but raw groceries you buy to cook at home are not. Some services like haircuts and repairs are taxed, while others like medical services are not.
Sales tax rates in nearby Los Angeles County cities
If you shop outside Los Angeles city but still in the county, your rate will differ. Here are some common rates in the area:
| City | Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles (city) | 9.5% |
| Long Beach | 9.5% |
| Pasadena | 9.5% |
| Santa Monica | 9.5% |
| Glendale | 9.5% |
| Burbank | 9.5% |
| West Hollywood | 9.5% |
Many cities in Los Angeles County have settled on 9.5%, but some older or smaller cities may have slightly different rates. If you're shopping in an unfamiliar area, the receipt will show you the exact rate charged. You can also check the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website, which maintains a complete list of rates by city and ZIP code.
How sales tax works on online purchases
When you order online from a retailer that has a warehouse, office, or other physical location in California, that retailer must collect sales tax at the Los Angeles rate (9.5%) if the item is being shipped to a Los Angeles address. This applies even if the retailer is based elsewhere.
If a retailer has no physical presence in California, they may not collect sales tax at checkout. However, California law requires you to report and pay tax on those purchases yourself when you file your state tax return — though most individual shoppers do not do this. The tax is still owed; it's just collected differently. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target all collect California sales tax on orders shipped to Los Angeles addresses.
When sales tax changed in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has adjusted its local sales tax rate several times over the past two decades. The current 2% city rate has been in place since 2017, when voters approved Measure M to fund transit improvements. Before that, the city rate was lower. These changes happen through voter approval or city council action and are announced well in advance.
If you're looking at old receipts or historical information, the rate may have been different at that time. The state rate of 7.25% has remained stable since 1991, but local rates change more frequently. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration publishes historical rates if you need to verify what the rate was on a specific date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sales tax included in the price shown on store shelves?
No. Prices on tags and online listings in the United States do not include sales tax. The 9.5% is added at checkout. This is different from many other countries where tax is included in the displayed price. Your final receipt will show the subtotal, the tax amount, and the total you pay.
Do I pay sales tax if I buy something online and pick it up in a Los Angeles store?
Yes. If you pick up the item at a Los Angeles location, the 9.5% Los Angeles rate applies. The tax is based on where you take possession of the item, not where you ordered it from or where the company is based.
What's the difference between sales tax and use tax?
Sales tax is what you pay when you buy something. Use tax is what you owe on items you bought elsewhere but use in California — for example, buying something out of state and bringing it home. Most people don't pay use tax directly because retailers collect sales tax instead. The rate is the same; it's just collected at different points depending on where you shop.
Does sales tax explore to services like haircuts or car repairs in Los Angeles?
Most services are taxed in California. A haircut, car repair, or plumbing service will have 9.5% sales tax added. However, some services like medical care, dental work, and legal services are not taxed. Your receipt will show whether tax was applied.
Can I get a refund of sales tax if I return an item?
Yes. When you return an item for a refund, the sales tax is refunded along with the purchase price. If you exchange the item for something else, the store recalculates tax based on the new item's price. Keep your receipt if you think you might return something, because stores often ask for it to process the refund.