Wisconsin Sales Tax Rate Table
Wisconsin statewide sales tax rate: 5.00%. Local governments in Wisconsin 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 5.72%. Wisconsin’s sales tax is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
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.
Wisconsin Sales Tax Rates at a Glance
| Statewide sales tax rate | 5.00% |
|---|---|
| Local sales taxes | Yes — up to 2.90% additional |
| Average local rate | 0.72% |
| Average combined rate | 5.72% |
| Administered by | Wisconsin Department of Revenue |
| Registration document | Wisconsin Seller’s Permit |
| Rate data reviewed | August 2026 |
How Local Sales Tax Works in Wisconsin
Most Wisconsin counties have adopted a 0.5% county sales tax on top of the 5% state rate, giving 5.5% across much of the state. A small number of jurisdictions add more: Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee each levy additional local sales taxes, and special districts such as those funding sports facilities have applied in the past.
Which Wisconsin Rate Should You Charge?
Wisconsin is destination-sourced and a Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement member, so the county and municipal components follow the address where the buyer takes delivery.
What Wisconsin Taxes — and What It Doesn’t
Groceries for home consumption and prescription drugs are exempt. Prepared food, candy and soft drinks are taxable. Most services are untaxed apart from a defined list including landscaping, laundry, admissions and certain repairs.
Look Up an Exact Wisconsin Sales Tax Rate
Publishing a fixed list of every Wisconsin city and county rate would be out of date within weeks, so we do not reproduce one here. The Department of Revenue publishes a county sales tax list and a rate lookup that returns the combined rate for a Wisconsin address. Open the official Wisconsin Department of Revenue website at www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/home.aspx and use its rate lookup for the exact delivery address.
Registering to Collect Sales Tax in Wisconsin
Before you can legally charge Wisconsin sales tax you need to be registered with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and hold a Wisconsin Seller’s Permit. Our sales tax application service files the paperwork for you. See the Wisconsin sales tax application page for what Wisconsin asks for. The Wisconsin sales tax guide covers filing frequency, agency contacts and licensing.
Ready to register in Wisconsin? Apply for your Wisconsin sales tax permit online – it only takes a few minutes.
Wisconsin Sales Tax Rate FAQs
What is the sales tax rate in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin statewide rate is 5.00%. With local taxes added, the total rate at a given address is typically higher — the average combined rate is about 5.72% and local add-ons can reach 2.90%.
Do I need a permit before I collect sales tax in Wisconsin?
Yes. Collecting sales tax without a valid Wisconsin Seller’s Permit is not permitted in Wisconsin. Register first, then start charging tax. You can apply for your Wisconsin sales tax permit here.
Do remote and online sellers have to collect Wisconsin sales tax?
Generally yes, once you cross Wisconsin’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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Department of Revenue 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:
- Minnesota sales tax rate table
- Iowa sales tax rate table
- Illinois sales tax rate table
- Michigan sales tax rate table
Need to check a number you already have? Use our sales tax number verification page.