Virginia Sales Tax Rate Table
Virginia statewide sales tax rate: 5.30%. Local governments in Virginia 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 5.77%. Virginia’s sales tax is administered by the Virginia Department of Taxation.
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.
Virginia Sales Tax Rates at a Glance
| Statewide sales tax rate | 5.30% Includes 1% of mandatory statewide local tax; the state-only portion is 4.3%. |
|---|---|
| Local sales taxes | Yes — up to 2.70% additional |
| Average local rate | 0.47% |
| Average combined rate | 5.77% |
| Administered by | Virginia Department of Taxation |
| Registration document | Virginia Certificate of Registration |
| Rate data reviewed | August 2026 |
How Local Sales Tax Works in Virginia
Virginia’s 5.3% statewide minimum already contains a 1% local component. Several regions add a further regional transportation levy on top, so Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, Central Virginia and a number of individual localities sit at 6% or 7% rather than 5.3%.
Which Virginia Rate Should You Charge?
Virginia generally sources sales to the seller’s Virginia place of business, with destination sourcing applying to goods delivered from outside that location. The regional levy that applies is the one covering the relevant locality.
What Virginia Taxes — and What It Doesn’t
Groceries and certain personal hygiene products are taxed at a reduced rate rather than being fully exempt, and the reduced rate is local-only in most areas. Prescription drugs are exempt and most services are untaxed.
Look Up an Exact Virginia Sales Tax Rate
Publishing a fixed list of every Virginia city and county rate would be out of date within weeks, so we do not reproduce one here. The Department of Taxation publishes a locality-by-locality rate table showing the state, local and regional components including the reduced food rate. Open the official Virginia Department of Taxation website at www.tax.virginia.gov and use its rate lookup for the exact delivery address.
Registering to Collect Sales Tax in Virginia
Before you can legally charge Virginia sales tax you need to be registered with the Virginia Department of Taxation and hold a Virginia Certificate of Registration. Our sales tax application service files the paperwork for you. See the Virginia sales tax application page for what Virginia asks for. The Virginia sales tax guide covers filing frequency, agency contacts and licensing.
Ready to register in Virginia? Apply for your Virginia sales tax permit online – it only takes a few minutes.
Virginia Sales Tax Rate FAQs
What is the sales tax rate in Virginia?
The Virginia statewide rate is 5.30%. With local taxes added, the total rate at a given address is typically higher — the average combined rate is about 5.77% and local add-ons can reach 2.70%.
Do I need a permit before I collect sales tax in Virginia?
Yes. Collecting sales tax without a valid Virginia Certificate of Registration is not permitted in Virginia. Register first, then start charging tax. You can apply for your Virginia sales tax permit here.
Do remote and online sellers have to collect Virginia sales tax?
Generally yes, once you cross Virginia’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 Virginia 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 Virginia Department of Taxation 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:
- Maryland sales tax rate table
- North Carolina sales tax rate table
- West Virginia sales tax rate table
- Tennessee sales tax rate table
Need to check a number you already have? Use our sales tax number verification page.