What is the California state sales tax rate?

California's statewide base sales tax rate is 7.25%. This consists of a 6% base state rate, a 1% Local Revenue Fund add-on, and a 0.25% Local Public Safety Fund add-on — all three components are mandatory statewide and set by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

Why is the total rate in my city higher than 7.25%?

California allows counties, cities, and special districts to levy additional local sales-tax rates on top of the 7.25% statewide base. For example, Los Angeles County adds 3.0% for a combined rate of 10.25%, while San Francisco adds 1.375% for a combined 8.625%. These local rates are voted on by residents and can change at election cycles.

What is the typical combined California sales tax rate?

The statewide average combined rate (state plus local) is approximately 8.85% as of 2025. However, your actual rate depends on your precise ZIP code and can range from the 7.25% base (in areas with no local add-on) up to 10.75% or higher in some jurisdictions with multiple district taxes stacked.

How do I calculate California sales tax on a pre-tax price?

Multiply the pre-tax price by your combined rate expressed as a decimal. For example, a $50 item in a location with a 10.25% combined rate gives a tax of $50 x 0.1025 = $5.13, so the total is $55.13. The calculator does this instantly for any amount and any local rate you enter.

How do I remove California sales tax from a total (reverse calculation)?

Divide the total paid by (1 + combined rate). For a $55.13 total at 10.25%, the pre-tax amount is $55.13 / 1.1025 = $50.00. Select "Remove tax from a total" mode and enter the amount you paid — the calculator shows the pre-tax price and exact tax amount automatically.

Does this calculator cover district taxes and special levies?

The Local / district rate field lets you enter any add-on percentage above the 7.25% state base, including county, city, and special-district components. To find your exact district rate, visit cdtfa.ca.gov and use the CDTFA tax rate lookup by ZIP code or address. The county presets in this tool use representative 2025 rates but may not match every street address.

California Sales Tax Calculator

California has one of the most complex local sales-tax structures in the United States. The statewide base rate of 7.25% is set by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and applies everywhere in the state. On top of that, counties, cities, and special districts can stack additional rates — so the rate you actually pay depends on exactly where you shop. This calculator handles both directions: add sales tax to a pre-tax price to find the final total, or back out the tax from a total you already paid.

How it works

Add-tax mode (pre-tax to total)

The calculator multiplies your pre-tax amount by the combined rate (state + local):

Tax = Pre-tax amount x Combined rate

Total = Pre-tax amount + Tax

For example, on a $200 purchase in Los Angeles County (combined 10.25%):

Tax = $200 x 0.1025 = $20.50
Total = $200 + $20.50 = $220.50

Remove-tax mode (total to pre-tax)

When you already know the final amount and need to find the pre-tax price, the calculator reverses the formula:

Pre-tax = Total paid / (1 + Combined rate)

Tax = Total paid - Pre-tax

For the same example: $220.50 / 1.1025 = $200.00 pre-tax, $20.50 tax.

The California state base rate: 7.25%

The 7.25% statewide base is itself a composite of three fixed components:

Component	Rate
State general fund	6.00%
Local Revenue Fund (Prop 172)	1.00%
Local Public Safety Fund	0.25%
Total statewide base	7.25%

No county can levy below this floor. Any rate above 7.25% is an optional local add-on.

Local rates across California

California’s local add-ons span a wide range. As of 2025, the statewide average combined rate is approximately 8.85%, but actual rates vary considerably:

Area	Local add-on	Combined rate
Los Angeles County	3.00%	10.25%
Alameda County	3.00%	10.25%
San Bernardino County	1.75%	9.00%
Sacramento County	1.50%	8.75%
Santa Clara County	1.875%	9.125%
San Francisco County	1.375%	8.625%
Orange County	0.50%	7.75%
San Diego County	0.50%	7.75%

Some cities within a county add further district taxes, so the combined rate on a single block can differ from the county headline. Always verify your exact rate using the CDTFA ZIP-code lookup at cdtfa.ca.gov for the most accurate figure.

Worked example

A graphic designer invoices a California client for professional services worth $1,500 (pre-tax) in San Francisco (combined rate 8.625%):

State tax (7.25%): $1,500 x 0.0725 = $108.75
Local add-on (1.375%): $1,500 x 0.01375 = $20.63
Total sales tax: $129.38
Invoice total: $1,500 + $129.38 = $1,629.38

Note: California sales tax applies to sales of tangible personal property in most cases. Certain services, groceries, and prescription drugs are exempt or taxed at reduced rates. Consult the CDTFA or a tax professional for guidance on your specific transaction.

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