California Sales Tax Rate Table
California statewide sales tax rate: 7.25%. Local governments in California may add their own sales tax on top of the state rate, so the total rate you charge depends on the address of the sale. Combined state and local rates average about 9.03%. California’s sales tax is administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
Rates reviewed August 2026. State rates reflect statutory rates in effect as of July 1, 2026. Local rates change frequently — always confirm the rate for the exact delivery address before you file.
California Sales Tax Rates at a Glance
| Statewide sales tax rate | 7.25% Includes 1.25% of mandatory statewide local tax; the state-only portion is 6.00%. |
|---|---|
| Local sales taxes | Yes — up to 5.25% additional |
| Average local rate | 1.78% |
| Average combined rate | 9.03% |
| Administered by | California Department of Tax and Fee Administration |
| Registration document | California seller’s permit |
| Rate data reviewed | August 2026 |
How Local Sales Tax Works in California
California’s 7.25% statewide minimum already contains 1.25% that is passed to local government. On top of that, cities, counties and special districts levy voter-approved district taxes. That is why the rate can change from one side of a street to the other and why parts of Los Angeles County sit above 10%.
Which California Rate Should You Charge?
California uses a hybrid rule. The state, county and local portions are generally sourced to the retailer’s place of business, while district taxes are sourced to where the buyer takes delivery. A retailer engaged in business in a district must collect that district’s tax on deliveries into it.
What California Taxes — and What It Doesn’t
Groceries for home consumption and prescription medicines are exempt. Most services are not taxed, but tangible property transferred as part of a service usually is. Hot prepared food is taxable.
Look Up an Exact California Sales Tax Rate
Publishing a fixed list of every California city and county rate would be out of date within weeks, so we do not reproduce one here. CDTFA publishes a full city and county rate table and an address-level rate lookup that is updated whenever a district tax takes effect. Open the official California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website at www.cdtfa.ca.gov and use its rate lookup for the exact delivery address.
Registering to Collect Sales Tax in California
Before you can legally charge California sales tax you need to be registered with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and hold a California seller’s permit. Our sales tax application service files the paperwork for you. See the California sales tax application page for what California asks for. The California sales tax guide covers filing frequency, agency contacts and licensing.
Ready to register in California? Apply for your California sales tax permit online – it only takes a few minutes.
California Sales Tax Rate FAQs
What is the sales tax rate in California?
The California statewide rate is 7.25%. With local taxes added, the total rate at a given address is typically higher — the average combined rate is about 9.03% and local add-ons can reach 5.25%.
Do I need a permit before I collect sales tax in California?
Yes. Collecting sales tax without a valid California seller’s permit is not permitted in California. Register first, then start charging tax. You can apply for your California sales tax permit here.
Do remote and online sellers have to collect California sales tax?
Generally yes, once you cross California’s economic nexus threshold or have a physical presence in the state. Marketplace facilitators such as Amazon and Etsy usually collect on their own sales, but sales through your own website normally remain your responsibility. See our sales tax registration overview for how nexus works.
How often do California sales tax rates change?
The statewide rate changes rarely — local rates change far more often, frequently on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October. Confirm the current rate with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration before filing a return.
Sales Tax Rates in Other States
Compare every state on our state sales and use tax rate hub, or check a neighbouring state:
- Oregon sales tax rate table
- Nevada sales tax rate table
- Arizona sales tax rate table
- Washington sales tax rate table
Need to check a number you already have? Use our sales tax number verification page.