How to Use the Sales Tax Calculator?

1. Enter the price before tax: Input the original price of the item or service you’re purchasing in the “Price before tax ($)” field. This should be the cost before any taxes are applied.

2. Input the tax rate: Enter the applicable sales tax rate as a percentage in the “Tax rate (%)” field. If you’re unsure of the rate, you can select your state from the dropdown menu to get an estimate, though keep in mind that local taxes may vary.

3. Select your state: Choose your state from the dropdown menu. This can help provide context for the calculation and may be used in future updates to automatically populate tax rates.

4. Decide on shipping: Select whether you want to include shipping in the taxable amount. In some jurisdictions, shipping may be subject to sales tax.

5. Enter shipping cost: If applicable, input the shipping cost in the “Shipping cost ($)” field. This will be added to your total regardless of whether it’s included in the taxable amount.

6. Calculate: Click the “Calculate” button to process your inputs and view the results. The calculator will display a breakdown of your calculation, including:

• Price before tax
• Tax rate
• Sales tax amount
• Shipping cost
• Total price (including tax and shipping)

This sales tax calculator is a versatile tool that can be used in various scenarios. For consumers, it’s helpful when budgeting for purchases or comparing prices between different retailers or states. For businesses, it can assist in setting prices, preparing quotes, or estimating tax liabilities.

The calculator takes into account whether shipping should be included in the taxable amount, which can vary depending on local laws. It also provides flexibility in entering custom tax rates, making it useful for calculating sales tax in any jurisdiction.