How do I find the pre-tax price from a tax-inclusive total?

Divide the total by (1 + tax rate as a decimal). For a $108.50 total at 8.5% tax: $108.50 ÷ 1.085 = $100.00 pre-tax. This is the reverse sales tax calculation.

Which US states have no sales tax?

Five states have no statewide sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. Alaska allows local governments to impose sales tax, so some Alaskan cities do charge it.

What is the highest sales tax state?

Louisiana has the highest combined state + local sales tax rate in the US at about 9.56%, followed by Tennessee (9.55%), Arkansas (9.46%), and Alabama (9.24%). These include the state rate plus the average local rate (Tax Foundation 2025).

Is sales tax applied before or after discounts?

In most states, sales tax is applied to the final price after any store discounts or coupons. If an item is $100 with a $20 coupon, you typically pay tax on $80, not $100. Manufacturer coupons are an exception in some states.

Sales Tax Calculator | KalkWise

By the KalkWise Editorial Team Reviewed for accuracy Updated June 2026

What is the sales tax calculator?

In short

Sales tax is calculated by multiplying the pre-tax price by the tax rate: tax = price × rate ÷ 100. To find the total, add the tax to the price. For reverse calculation — finding the pre-tax price from a tax-inclusive total — divide the total by (1 + rate ÷ 100). For example, at 8.5% tax, a $100 item costs $108.50. Reverse: $108.50 ÷ 1.085 = $100.

This sales tax calculator works in two directions: forward (add tax to a pre-tax price to get the total) and reverse (remove tax from a tax-inclusive total to find the pre-tax price). It includes combined state + local rates for all 50 US states based on Tax Foundation 2025 data — select your state and the rate fills automatically.

How to use this calculator

1Choose the direction: 'Add tax to price' for a pre-tax amount, or 'Deduct tax from total' if you have a receipt total and want the pre-tax price.
2Enter the price or total amount.
3Enter a custom tax rate, or select your US state to auto-fill the combined state + local rate.
4Read the tax amount, pre-tax price, and total instantly.

The formula

tax amount=price×rate100

total=price+tax amount

reverse:price=total1+rate100

Forward: tax = price × rate ÷ 100; total = price + tax. Reverse: pre-tax price = total ÷ (1 + rate ÷ 100).

price: — Pre-tax price of the item
rate: — Sales tax rate (e.g. 8.5 for 8.5%)
tax amount: — The tax portion added to the price
total: — Final price including tax (price + tax amount)

US state rates shown are combined state + average local rates from the Tax Foundation 2025. Actual local rates vary by city and county — check your municipality for the exact rate.

Worked example

The scenario

You're buying a $249 item in California (8.85% combined rate).

gives

The result

Tax = $249 × 8.85% = $22.03. Total = $249 + $22.03 = $271.03. Reverse check: $271.03 ÷ 1.0885 = $249.00.

Common use cases

Checking how much tax will be added to a purchase before you buy
Working out the pre-tax price from a receipt or invoice total
Comparing total cost across states with different tax rates
Budget planning for business purchases and expense reports

Limitations & assumptions

State rates shown are combined state + average local rate — your specific city or county may charge more or less.
Some goods are exempt from sales tax in certain states (groceries, prescription drugs, clothing) — this calculator applies the rate uniformly.
Rates change annually; verify with your state department of revenue for the most current rate.

Frequently asked questions

Multiply the pre-tax price by the sales tax rate and divide by 100. On a $150 purchase at 9%: $150 × 0.09 = $13.50 tax, making the total $163.50. Or simply multiply by 1.09 to get the total directly.

Disclaimer: KalkWise calculators are provided for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and the assumptions described above. Actual outcomes will vary. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

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