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Frequently Asked Questions – Sales Tax
What is sales tax?
Sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by the government on the sale of goods and services. It is usually collected by the seller at the point of sale and paid by the buyer as a percentage of the purchase price.
How is sales tax calculated?
Sales tax is calculated by multiplying the pre-tax price of an item or service by the applicable sales tax rate. For example, if an item costs $100 and the sales tax rate is 8%, the tax would be $8, making the total $108.
Do all states charge sales tax?
No, not all U.S. states collect a general sales tax. As of now, five states do not impose a general sales tax: New Hampshire, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, and Delaware. However, some local jurisdictions in these states may still charge taxes on certain items.
Are there different sales tax rates within the same state?
Yes, many states allow cities, counties, and other local governments to add their own sales taxes on top of the state rate. This means the total sales tax can vary depending on the location of the purchase.
Is sales tax applied to all purchases?
Not always. Many states exempt certain items from sales tax, such as groceries, prescription medications, and medical devices. Services may also be taxed differently or not taxed at all, depending on the state.
Can I claim a refund on sales tax?
In most cases, consumers cannot get a refund on sales tax paid. However, businesses that collect and remit sales tax may be eligible for certain credits or adjustments if they overpay. Some states also offer rebates or exemptions under specific programs.
Does online shopping affect sales tax?
Yes. Following the South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision in 2018, online retailers are required to collect sales tax based on the buyer's location if they meet certain sales thresholds. This ensures fair taxation whether you shop online or in-store.
