Reverse Sales Tax Calculator

Calculate the original price before tax — free for all 50 US states with 2026 rates

50 All 50 States

X No Federal Tax

+ State + Local

V 2026 Updated

Enter the total price you paid (including tax) to find the original price before tax.

Total Price (Including Tax)

Select State (Auto Rate)

Tax Rate (%) — or enter manually

Original Price (Before Tax)

$0.00

Tax Amount Paid

$0.00

Total Price Verified

$0.00

Enter the price before tax to find the total price including sales tax.

Price Before Tax

Select State (Auto Rate)

Tax Rate (%) — or enter manually

Price Before Tax

$0.00

Tax Amount

$0.00

Total With Tax

$0.00

Enter a price before tax to see the total cost in every state after applying current 2026 rates.

Price Before Tax

What Is Reverse Sales Tax?

Understand the concept in plain English — no accounting degree required.

Reverse sales tax is the process of finding the original price before tax was added to a total. In the United States, sales tax is added at the point of sale — so most receipts only show the final amount. Reverse sales tax calculation lets you remove the tax to find what an item actually cost.

Example: You paid $107.25 in California. The state sales tax rate is 7.25%. Using reverse sales tax, the original price was exactly $100.00 — and $7.25 went to the state as tax collected.

This process is also called backing out sales tax, removing tax from total, or inverse tax calculation. Businesses use it for bookkeeping, freelancers for expense tracking, and shoppers to understand exactly what they paid for a product versus what went to the government.

How to Use This Calculator

Four simple steps — results in under 5 seconds.

Enter Total Price

Type the final amount you paid including all sales tax — exactly as shown on your receipt or invoice.

Select Your State

Choose your state from the dropdown — the correct 2026 tax rate fills in automatically.

Click Calculate

Instant results: original pre-tax price, exact tax amount, and a step-by-step mathematical breakdown.

Save Your Results

Download as CSV for Excel, print as PDF, or copy a shareable link — perfect for expense reports.

Reverse Sales Tax Formula

The math behind the calculator — simple enough to calculate by hand.

Pre-Tax Price = Total Price ÷ (1 + Tax Rate)

Tax Amount = Total Price − Pre-Tax Price

Step-by-Step Example — California (7.25%)

You paid: $107.25 total | Tax Rate: 7.25%

Step 1 — Convert rate: 7.25% = 0.0725

Step 2 — Add 1: 1 + 0.0725 = 1.0725

Step 3 — Divide: $107.25 ÷ 1.0725 = $100.00

Step 4 — Tax: $107.25 − $100.00 = $7.25

Result: Original price = $100.00 | Tax paid = $7.25

Excel & Google Sheets Formula

If A1 = Total Price and B1 = Tax Rate (as percentage):

=A1/(1+(B1/100))

Reverse Sales Tax Examples by State (2026)

Real calculations using current 2026 state tax rates.

New Jersey

State Rate: 6.625%

$106.625 ÷ 1.06625 = $100.00
Tax paid: $6.625

NJ has a flat 6.625% statewide rate. Urban Enterprise Zones: reduced 3.3125% rate applies in designated areas. One of the most-searched rates for reverse sales tax calculations.

New York City

Combined Rate: 8.875%

$108.875 ÷ 1.08875 = $100.00
Tax paid: $8.875

NY state 4% + NYC 4.5% + MTA 0.375% = 8.875% total. Upstate NY rates vary — typically 7% to 8% depending on the county.

Texas

State Rate: 6.25% (max 8.25%)

$108.25 ÷ 1.0825 = $100.00
Tax paid: $8.25 (Houston rate)

Texas state rate is 6.25%. Local jurisdictions add up to 2% making the maximum combined rate 8.25%. Texas has no state income tax, relying heavily on sales tax.

California

State Rate: 7.25% (max 10.75%)

$107.25 ÷ 1.0725 = $100.00
Tax paid: $7.25

California has the highest state sales tax rate in the US. With local additions, some areas reach 10.75%. Los Angeles combined rate is approximately 10.25%.

Florida

State Rate: 6% (max 8.5%)

$106.00 ÷ 1.06 = $100.00
Tax paid: $6.00

Florida’s 6% state rate can rise with county surtaxes up to 2.5%. Miami-Dade County adds 1% bringing the combined total to 7%. Major tourism destination.

Georgia

State Rate: 4% (avg combined 7.36%)

$104.00 ÷ 1.04 = $100.00
Tax paid: $4.00

Georgia has a 4% state rate. Most counties add local taxes bringing combined rates to 7%–8.9% across different jurisdictions statewide.

US Sales Tax Rates by State (2026)

Current rates for all 50 states — verified from Tax Foundation and state Department of Revenue sources.

State	State Rate	Avg Combined	Note
Alabama	4.00%	9.25%	High local rates
Alaska	0.00%	1.76%	No state tax
Arizona	5.60%	8.40%	State + local
Arkansas	6.50%	9.47%	Above average
California	7.25%	8.82%	Highest state rate
Colorado	2.90%	7.77%	Lowest state rate
Connecticut	6.35%	6.35%	No local tax
Delaware	0.00%	0.00%	No sales tax
Florida	6.00%	7.01%	Tourism state
Georgia	4.00%	7.36%	State + local
Hawaii	4.00%	4.44%	GET Tax
Idaho	6.00%	6.03%	Low local variation
Illinois	6.25%	8.82%	Chicago rates higher
Indiana	7.00%	7.00%	Uniform statewide
Iowa	6.00%	6.94%	Local option tax
Kansas	6.50%	8.70%	Food tax eliminated
Kentucky	6.00%	6.00%	No local tax
Louisiana	5.00%	10.11%	Highest combined!
Maine	5.50%	5.50%	No local tax
Maryland	6.00%	6.00%	Uniform rate
Massachusetts	6.25%	6.25%	No local tax
Michigan	6.00%	6.00%	State rate only
Minnesota	6.875%	7.49%	Local variations
Mississippi	7.00%	7.07%	Reduced grocery rate
Missouri	4.225%	8.29%	High local rates
Montana	0.00%	0.00%	No sales tax
Nebraska	5.50%	6.94%	Local option tax
Nevada	6.85%	8.23%	Tourism dependent
New Hampshire	0.00%	0.00%	No sales tax
New Jersey	6.625%	6.60%	Urban Enterprise Zones
New Mexico	5.00%	7.84%	Gross Receipts Tax
New York	4.00%	8.54%	NYC = 8.875%
North Carolina	4.75%	6.99%	Moderate rates
North Dakota	5.00%	6.96%	Local variations
Ohio	5.75%	7.24%	County rates vary
Oklahoma	4.50%	8.98%	High local rates
Oregon	0.00%	0.00%	No sales tax
Pennsylvania	6.00%	6.34%	Low local variation
Rhode Island	7.00%	7.00%	No local tax
South Carolina	6.00%	7.46%	Local option tax
South Dakota	4.20%	6.40%	Tourism tax
Tennessee	7.00%	9.55%	2nd highest combined
Texas	6.25%	8.20%	No income tax
Utah	6.10%	7.20%	Local option tax
Vermont	6.00%	6.24%	Local option tax
Virginia	5.30%	5.75%	Low combined rate
Washington	6.50%	9.51%	3rd highest combined
West Virginia	6.00%	6.55%	Municipal taxes
Wisconsin	5.00%	5.43%	County tax varies
Wyoming	4.00%	5.36%	Low rates overall

NOMAD States — No Sales Tax Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon — 0% state sales tax

Highest Combined Rate Louisiana at 10.11% — highest combined average in the nation

National Average Combined state + local average across all 50 states: approximately 7.53%

All rates verified annually for accuracy. Tax rates change frequently — always confirm the current rate with your state’s Department of Revenue before making financial decisions.

TF Tax Foundation — State Sales Tax Rates IRS IRS — Deductible Sales & Use Taxes SST Streamlined Sales Tax Board

ⓘ These are external government and nonprofit sources. ReverseSalesTax.com is not affiliated with any of these organizations.

Who Uses a Reverse Sales Tax Calculator?

From shoppers to accountants — everyone benefits from knowing the original pre-tax price.

Shoppers & Consumers

Check if you were charged the correct sales tax on a receipt. Understand exactly how much of your payment was the product price versus tax collected by the state government.

Businesses & Accountants

Separate revenue from tax collected for accurate bookkeeping. Reconcile bank deposits, prepare QuickBooks journal entries, and ensure GAAP-compliant financial reporting.

Freelancers & Self-Employed

Calculate the deductible pre-tax cost of business expenses. When receipts only show the total, reverse calculation finds the base amount needed for accurate tax deductions.

E-commerce Sellers

Process accurate refunds on Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. Manage multi-state nexus compliance after the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision.

Was I Overcharged on Sales Tax?

Enter your receipt details to instantly verify if you were charged the correct amount.

Receipt Tax Checker

Compare what you were charged against what the correct tax should have been.

Total You Paid ($)

Pre-Tax Price on Receipt ($)

Your State Tax Rate (%)

ⓘ This tool is for general verification purposes only. Results are based on the rate you enter — always confirm your exact combined rate (state + local) from your receipt. Minor differences of 1–2 cents are normal due to merchant rounding.

Sales Tax Holidays 2026

Many US states temporarily remove sales tax on certain items. Key dates to know for 2026.

🎒

Back-to-School

July – August 2026

Clothing, school supplies, computers, and calculators. States: FL, TX, VA, MD, MS, OH, MO, OK, AR, CT, MA, NM, SC, TN, WV and more.

🌀

Hurricane Preparedness

Late Spring 2026

Emergency supplies, generators, batteries, and flashlights. States FL, AL, MS, LA, SC, VA typically offer these before hurricane season starts.

⚡

Energy Efficiency

Varies by State

Energy Star appliances, insulation, and solar equipment. States including VA, MD, and FL offer energy efficiency holidays at various points in the year.

Verify Before You Shop Sales tax holiday dates, eligible items, and price limits change every year. Always confirm current dates and qualifying items with your state’s Department of Revenue before making any purchase decisions based on a holiday.

Common Mistakes When Calculating Reverse Sales Tax

Avoid these errors for accurate results every time.

Using State Rate Instead of Combined Rate

Many people use only the state rate and forget local additions. In Chicago the state rate is 6.25% but the combined rate is 10.25% — a major difference on large purchases.

Fix: Always use the combined rate shown on your receipt, or select your specific state in our calculator for guidance.

Assuming Online Purchases Are Tax-Free

After the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, most online purchases are now taxable. Amazon, eBay, and Etsy automatically collect and remit sales tax as marketplace facilitators.

Fix: Check your order confirmation for the exact tax rate charged — it is always itemized separately on major platforms.

Worrying About Penny Rounding Differences

Tax is calculated to 2 decimal places and merchants often round at the item level. A 1–2 cent difference between your calculation and the actual receipt is completely normal.

Fix: Accept minor penny differences as normal rounding — they do not indicate a calculation error.

Applying the Formula to a Pre-Tax Price

The formula Pre-Tax = Total ÷ (1 + Rate) only works when the Total already includes tax. Applying it to a price that does not yet include tax gives an incorrect result.

Fix: Confirm the amount you are entering is the tax-inclusive total before using reverse calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about reverse sales tax calculation.

How do you calculate reverse sales tax?+

Divide the total price (including tax) by (1 + tax rate as a decimal). Example at 7% tax: $107 ÷ 1.07 = $100.00 pre-tax price. The tax amount is $107 − $100 = $7.00. Our calculator does this instantly — just enter the total and select your state.

What is the reverse sales tax formula?+

Pre-Tax Price = Total Price ÷ (1 + Tax Rate). Tax Amount = Total Price − Pre-Tax Price. The tax rate is expressed as a decimal — for example 7% becomes 0.07. This formula works for US sales tax, VAT, GST, HST, and any percentage-based consumption tax.

How do I back out sales tax from a total?+

To back out sales tax, divide the total by (1 + the decimal rate). For 8.25%: divide by 1.0825. This mathematically removes the tax portion and gives you the original base price. Also called reverse tax calculation or removing tax from a total.

Which states have no sales tax in 2026?+

Five US states have no statewide sales tax in 2026: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon — the “NOMAD” states. Note: Alaska allows local jurisdictions to impose sales taxes up to 7.5%, so always verify the specific city or borough.

What state has the highest sales tax rate?+

California has the highest state rate at 7.25%. For the highest combined rate (state + local), Louisiana leads at 10.11%, followed by Tennessee at 9.55% and Washington at 9.51%.

How do I calculate reverse sales tax in New Jersey?+

New Jersey has a flat 6.625% statewide rate. Divide your total by 1.06625. Example: $106.625 ÷ 1.06625 = $100.00 pre-tax. NJ Urban Enterprise Zones have a reduced 3.3125% rate in designated areas. Select New Jersey in our calculator for automatic calculation.

What is the NYC reverse sales tax calculation?+

New York City combined rate is 8.875%: 4% NY state + 4.5% NYC + 0.375% MTA surcharge. Divide your total by 1.08875. Example: $108.875 ÷ 1.08875 = $100.00. Outside NYC, NY state rates range from 7% to 8.875% depending on county.

Is there a federal sales tax in the USA?+

No. The United States does not have a federal sales tax. Only state and local governments collect sales tax. This differs from countries like Canada (federal GST) and the UK (national VAT). Each US state independently determines its own sales tax rate and rules.

How do I reverse calculate Texas sales tax?+

Texas state rate is 6.25% with local additions up to 2%, making the maximum combined rate 8.25%. For Houston or Dallas at 8.25%: divide by 1.0825. For the state rate only: divide by 1.0625. Select Texas in our calculator for automatic rate application.

Can I use this for VAT calculations?+

Yes. The reverse formula works identically for VAT (Europe and UK), GST (Canada, Australia), HST (Canada), or any percentage-based consumption tax. Just enter the tax-inclusive total and the applicable rate — the math is the same regardless of what the tax is called.

What is use tax and how is it different from sales tax?+

Use tax is owed when you purchase goods from out of state without paying sales tax and then use those goods in your home state. It complements sales tax and prevents tax avoidance by shopping in no-tax states. Most consumers are unaware of it, but businesses are typically required to report and remit use tax.

What is economic nexus after the Wayfair decision?+

After the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court ruling, states can require online sellers to collect sales tax based on economic presence — not just physical presence. Most states use a $100,000 annual sales or 200 transaction threshold. Once exceeded, sellers must register and collect tax in that state.

Are groceries taxed in the US?+

It varies by state. Most states exempt unprepared groceries from sales tax. However, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Dakota tax groceries at the full rate. Some states like Arkansas and Illinois tax groceries at a reduced rate. Prepared food from restaurants is generally taxable in all states.

Can I use this for business expense reports and QuickBooks?+

Yes. Enter the total amount paid and select your state to find the pre-tax amount for QuickBooks, Xero, or any accounting software. Under GAAP, revenue must be reported net of sales tax collected — making reverse calculation essential for accurate financial statements and proper bookkeeping.

What is the difference between state rate and combined rate?+

The state rate is set by the state legislature and applies uniformly statewide. The combined rate includes the state rate plus additional local taxes from counties, cities, or special districts. Colorado has a 2.9% state rate but combined rates often exceed 7% when local taxes are included.

What Excel formula should I use for reverse sales tax?+

If A1 contains the total price and B1 contains the tax rate as a percentage, use: =A1/(1+(B1/100)) for the pre-tax price. For the tax amount use: =A1-A2 where A2 contains the formula above. This works identically in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.

How do I process a refund with the correct tax amount?+

Use reverse calculation on the original sale total to find exactly how much was product price versus tax. Refund both components. Example: Customer paid $107.50 at 7.5% — pre-tax = $100.00, tax = $7.50. Refund the full $107.50. This keeps both revenue and tax liability accounts accurate.

What are sales tax holidays and when are they in 2026?+

Sales tax holidays are periods when states temporarily suspend tax on specific items — typically back-to-school supplies in July or August, hurricane preparedness items in spring, and energy-efficient appliances at various times. Dates, eligible items, and price caps vary by state and change annually. Check your state’s Department of Revenue for confirmed 2026 dates.

What is an inverse tax calculator?+

Inverse tax calculator is another name for a reverse sales tax calculator. Both terms describe the same process — finding the original price before tax from a tax-inclusive total. Other names include: backwards sales tax calculator, back out tax calculator, and remove tax from total calculator.

How accurate is this reverse sales tax calculator?+

The calculator uses the standard mathematical formula and is accurate to two decimal places. Accuracy depends on the rate entered — always use the combined rate from your actual receipt. Minor 1–2 cent differences from receipts are normal due to merchant-level rounding and are not calculation errors.

Also Try Our Free Break Even Calculator

Planning a business? Find exactly how many units you need to sell to cover your costs — instantly, free, no signup required.

Calculate Your Break Even Point →

Important Disclaimer — Not Professional Tax Advice The tools and information on ReverseSalesTax.com are for general informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute professional tax, legal, or financial advice. Sales tax rates change frequently — always verify with your state’s Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional before making official financial decisions. Tax rates are sourced from the Tax Foundation and updated annually. ReverseSalesTax.com is not liable for errors or inaccuracies in the information provided.